Welene 


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ELENE; 

JUDITH ; 

ATHELSTAN,    OR    THE    FIGHT    AT    BRUNANBURH; 
BYRHTXOTH,  OR  THE  FIGHT  AT  MALDON; 

AND 

THE    DREA3I    OF    THE   ROOD: 

TRANSLATKI)    BY 

JAMES  M.  GARXETT,  M.A.,  LL.D., 

FoKMEKLY  Professor  of  the  English  Language  and  Literature 
IN  THE  University  of  Virginia  ;  Translator  of  "  BiSowulf." 


THIRD  EDITION. 


BOSTON,  U.S.A.  : 

GIXN  &  COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS. 

CI)e  atl)en«ttm  prcsfi. 

1911. 


A  I 


/  CV   / 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1889,  by 

JAMES  M.  GAKKETT, 
in  tlie  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington, 


Copyright,  1900,  by 
JAaiES  M.  GAENETT. 


Copyright,  1911,  by 
JAIMES  M.  GAKNETT. 


ALL  BIGHTS  RESERVED. 


TO  PROFESSOR  FRANCIS  A.  MARCH 

CORYPHiEUS  OF  OLD  ENGLISH  STUDIES  IN  AMERICA 

AA^ITH  SENTIMENTS  OF  THE   HIGHEST  REGARD 


CONTENTS, 


PAGE 

Preface vii 

Introduction ix 


Elene. 

I.     Constantine  sees  the  vision  of  the  rood 1 

II.     Constautiue  is  victorious,  the  sign  is  explained,  and  he 

is  baptized i 

III.  Helena  sets  out  on  her  journey  in  search  of  the  cross, 

and  arrives  at  Jerusalem .        7 

IV.  Helena  summons  an  assembly  of  the  Jews  learned  in 

the  law,  and  addresses  them 10 

V.     The  Jews  consult  apart,  and  Judas  states  the  object  of 

the  Empress 13 

"VI.    Judas  gives  the  Jews  the  information  derived  from  his 

father  and  grandfather 16 

VII.     The  Jews  at  first  refuse  to  act,  but  finally  deliver  up 

Judas  to  the  Empress 19 

VIII.     Judas  stubbornly  denies  all  knowledge  of  the  matter, 

but  after  imprisonment  without  food  consents  to 

speak 21 

IX.    They  proceed  to  Calvary,  and  Judas  ofi"ers  a  prayer  for 

guidance 24 

X.    A  smoke  arises,  Judas  digs  and  finds  three  crosses. 

Test  of  the  true  cross 27 

v 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

XI.    The  fiend  laments  that  he  is  overcome.     Judas  replies 

to  him 30 

XII.  Helena  announces  the  discovery  to  Constantine,  who 
orders  a  church  to  be  built  on  the  spot.  Judas  is 
baptized 32 

XIII.  Judas  is  ordained  bishop  of  Jerusalem,  and  his  name 

is  changed  to  Cyriacus.    Helena  longs  to  recover  the 
nails.     Judas  prays,  digs,  and  finds  them 35 

XIV.  The  nails  are  made  into  a  bit  for  Constantine's  horse. 

Helena  admonishes  all  to  obey  Cyriacus  and  returns 

home 38 

XV.     The  writer  reflects  on  his  work,  records  his  name,  and 

refers  to  the  future  judgment 41 


Judith. 

IX.    ********        *        *        * 

Holofernes  prepares  a  banquet 4-1 

X.  Holofernes  and  his  guests  carouse.  Judith  is  brought 
to  his  tent.  Holofernes  enters  and  falls  on  his  bed 
in  a  drunken  sleep.    Judith  prays  for  help,  and  cuts 

off"  the  head  of  Holofernes 45 

XI.  Judith  returns  with  the  head  of  Holofernes  to  Bethulia. 
The  people  meet  her  in  crowds.  She  exhorts  the 
warriors  to  sally  forth  at  dawn.     They  fall  upon  the 

Assyrians 49 

XII.  The  Assyrians  discover  the  death  of  Holofernes  and 
become  panic-stricken.  The  Hebrews  pursue  them 
in  flight,  plunder  the  slain,  and  bestow  upon  Judith 
the  arms  and  treasure  of  Holofernes 53 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


Athelstax,  or  The  Fight  at  Bruxaxburh. 

Athelstan  and  Edmund,  with  their  West-Saxons  and 
Mercians,  slaughter  the  Scots  and  Northmen.  Con- 
stantine  and  his  Scots  flee  to  their  homes  in  the 
North.  Anlaf  and  his  Northmen  flee  across  the  sea 
to  Dublin.  Athelstan  and  Edmund  return  home  in 
triumph,  and  leave  the  corpses  to  the  raven,  the  eagle, 
and  the  woU 57 


Byrhtxoth,  or  The  Fight  at  Maldon. 
*■******.*  *  *  * 
Byrhtnoth  and  his  East-Saxons  are  drawn  up  on  the 
banlv  of  the  Panta.  The  wilviugs'  herald  demands 
tribute.  Bj^rhtnoth  angrily  ofl"ers  arms  for  tribute. 
Wulfstan  defends  the  bridge.  Byrhtnoth  proudly 
permits  the  wikings  to  cross.  The  fight  rages. 
Byrhtnoth  is  wounded.  He  slays  the  foe.  He  is 
wounded  again.  He  prays  to  God  to  receive  his  soul, 
and  is  hewn  down  by  the  heathen  men.  Godric  flees 
on  Byrhtnoth's  horse.  His  brothers  follow  him. 
^Ifwine  encourages  the  men  to  avenge  the  death  of 
their  lord.  So  does  Ofi"a,  who  curses  Godric.  Leof- 
sunu  will  avenge  his  lord  or  perish.  Dunnere  also. 
Others  follow  their  example.  Offa  is  slain  and  many 
warriors.  The  fight  still  rages.  The  aged  Byrht- 
wold  exhorts  them  to  be  the  braver  as  they  become 
the  fewer.  So  does  another  Godric,  not  he  who 
fled.    *  *  *  * 60 


CONTENTS. 


The  Dream  of  the  Rood. 

In  the  middle  of  the  night  the  writer  beholds  the  vision 
of  a  cross  decked  with  gold  and  jewels,  but  soiled  with 
blood.  Presently  the  cross  speaks  and  tells  how  it  was 
hewn  and  set  up  on  a  mount.  Almighty  God  ascende,d 
it  to  redeem  mankind.  It  bent  not,  but  the  nails  made 
grievous  wounds,  and  it  was  moistened  with  blood. 
All  creation  wept.  The  corse  was  placed  in  a  sepulchre 
of  brightest  stone.  The  crosses  were  buried,  but  the 
thanes  of  the  Lord  raised  it  begirt  with  gold  and  silver, 
and  it  should  receive  honor  from  all  mankind.  The 
Lord  of  Glory  honored  it,  who  arose  for  help  to  men, 
and  shall  come  again  with  His  angels  to  judge  each  one 
of  men.  Then  they  will  fear  and  know  not  what  to 
say,  but  no  one  need  fear  who  bears  in  his  heart  the 
best  of  beacons.  The  writer  is  ready  for  his  journey, 
and  directs  his  prayer  to  the  rood.  His  friends  now 
dwell  in  glory,  and  the  rood  of  the  Lord  will  bring  him 
there  where  he  may  partake  of  joy  with  the  saints. 
The  Lord  redeemed  us.  His  Son  was  victorious,  and 
with  a  band  of  spirits  entered  His  heavenly  home    .     .       71 


PREFACE. 


This  translation  of  the  Elene  was  made  while  reading  the  poem 
with  a  post-graduate  student  in  tlie  session  of  1887-88,  Zupitza's 
second  edition  being  used  for  the  text,  which  does  not  differ  mate- 
rially from  that  in  his  third  edition  (1888).  It  was  completed 
before  I  received  a  copy  of  Dr.  Weymouth's  translation  (1888), 
from  Zupitza's  text;  but  in  the  revision  for  publication  I  have 
referred  to  it,  although  I  cannot  always  agree  with  the  learned 
scholar  in  his  interpretation  of  certain  passages.  Grain's  text 
was,  however,  used  to  fill  lacuna',  and  in  the  revision  the  recently 
published  (1888)  Grein-Wtilker  text  was  compared  in  some  pas- 
sages. The  line-for-line  form  has  been  employed,  as  in  my  trans- 
lation of  Beowulf  ;  for  it  has  been  approved  by  high  authority, 
and  is  unquestionably  more  serviceable  to  the  student,  even  if  I 
have  not  been  able  to  attain  ideal  correctness  of  rhythm.  I  plead 
guilty  in  advance  to  any  lapsus  in  that  respect,  but  I  sj;rongly 
suspect  that  I  have  appreciated  the  difficulty  more  highly  than 
my  future  critics.  The  Elene  is  more  suitable  than  the  Beowulf 
for  first  reading  in  Old  English  poetry  on  account  of  its  style  and 
its  subject,  which  make  the  interpretation  considerably  easier, 
and  I  concur  with  Korting,  in  his  Grundriss  der  Geschichte  der 
Encjlischen  LHteratur  (p.  47,  1887)  :  "  Die  Elene  eignet  sich 
sowohl  wegen  ihres  anmutigen  Inhaltes,  als  auch,  well  sie  in  der 
trefflichen  Ausgabe  von  Zupitza  leicht  zuganglich  ist,  als  erste 
poetische  Lecture  flir  Anfanger  im  Angelsachsischen."  This  state- 
ment is  now  the  stronger  for  English  readers  because  Zupitza's 
text  is  in  course  of  publication,  edited  with  introduction,  notes, 
and  glossary  by  Professor  Charles  W.  Kent,  of  the  University  of 

ix 


X  PREFACE. 

Tennessee.  I  have  appended  a  few  notes  which  explain  them- 
selves, and  have  occasionally  inserted  words  in  brackets. 

The  translations  of  the  Judith  and  the  Byrhtnoth  were 
made  in  regular  course  of  reading  with  undergraduate  classes, 
the  former  in  1886,  and  the  latter  in  1887,  the  texts  in  Sweet's 
"  Anglo-Saxon  Reader  "  being  used,  and  compared  with  those  in 
Grein  and  in  Korner.  The  text  of  Judith  is  now  accessible  in 
Professor  Cook's  edition  (188S). 

The  translation  of  the  Athelstan  has  been  added  from 
Korner's  text,  compared  with  Grein  and  Wiilker,  and  in  certain 
passages  with  Thorpe  and  Earle.  For  fuller  literary  information 
than  the  Introduction  provides,  the  reader  is  referred  to  ten 
Brink's  "Early  English  Literature,"  Kennedy's  translation  (1883), 
and  to  Morley's  "  English  Writers,"  Vol.  II.  (1888). 

JAMES   M.   GARNETT. 
University  of  Virginia,  Va., 
3Iay,  1889. 


PREFACE    TO    EDITION    OF    1900. 

I  HAVE  added  to  this  reprint  of  my  "  Elene  and  other  Anglo 
Saxon  Poems  "  a  translation  of  the  Dream  of  the  Rood,  which 
has  been  on  hand  for  several  years  awaiting  a  suitable  time  to  see 
the  light.  A  brief  Introduction  to  the  poem  has  been  prefixed, 
which,  doubtless,  leaves  much  to  be  desired,  but  it  is  all  that 
the  translator  now  has  time  for,  and  I  must  refer  to  the  works 
mentioned  for  fuller  information  and  discussion.  With  thanks 
for  past  consideration,  and  the  hope  that  this  addition  has  made 
the  book  more  acceptable,  I  entrust  it  again  to  indulgent  readers. 

JAMES   M.   GARNETT. 
Baltimork,  Maryland, 
October,  1900. 


PREFACE    TO    EDITIOX    OF    1911. 

I  HAVE  read  over  carefully  these  translations  with  a  view  to 
another  reprint,  which  the  publishers  find  necessary,  but  I  have 
not  compared  them  again  with  the  texts  used.  I  have  corrected 
a  few  typographical  errors  of  little  importance. 

For  the  bibliography  I  would  refer  to  Brandl's  Sonderausgahe 
aus  der  zweiten  Aufiage  von  PauFs  Gritndrias  der  germanhchen 
Plnlologie  (Strassburg,  1908),  in  which  I  find  noted  Holthausen's 
edition  of  the  Elexe  (Heidelberg,  1905),  but  I  have  not  seen  it. 

I  take  advantage  of  this  opportunity  to  say  that  my  translation 
of  Beowulf,  of  which  the  last  reprint  was  issued  in  1010,  is  not 
in  prose,  as  some  have  misconceived  it,  but  it  is  in  the  same 
metrical  form  as  the  translations  in  the  present  volume,  —  an 
accentual  metre  in  rough  imitation  of  the  original.  I  agree 
with  Professor  Gummere  and  others  that  this  is  a  better  form 
for  the  translation  of  Old  English  poetry  than  plain  prose.  It 
was  approved  by  the  late  Professor  Child  nearly  thirtg  years  ago, 
as  noted  in  the  Preface  to  the  second  edition  of  my  translation 

of  Beowulf,  January,  1885. 

JAMES   M.    GARXETT. 
Baltimore,  Maryland, 
February,  1911. 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  presenting  to  the  public  the  following  translations  of  the 
Old  English  (Anglo-Saxon)  poems,  Elene,  Judith,  Athelstan, 
Byriitxoth,  and  The  Dream  of  the  Rood,  it  is  desirable  to 
prefix  a  brief  account  of  them  for  the  information  of  the  general 
reader. 

I.  The  Elene,  or  Helena,  is  a  poem  on  the  expedition  of  the 
Empress  Helena,  mother  of  Constantine  the  Great,  the  first  Chris- 
tian emperor,  to  Palestine  in  search  of  the  true  cross,  and  its  suc- 
cessful issue.  The  mediteval  legend  of  the  Finding  of  the  Cross 
is  given  in  the  Acta  Sancfonan  under  date  of  May  4,  assigned  by 
tlie  Church  to  the  commemoration  of  St.  Helena's  marvellous  dis- 
covery. The  Latin  work  is  the  Life  of  St.  Quiriacus,  or  Cyriacus, 
Bishop  of  Jeiiisalem,  that  is,  the  Judas  of  the  poem.  It  has  been 
usually  thought  that  the  Old  English  poet  used  this  Life  as  his 
source  ;  but  Gldde,  in  a  recent  volume  of  Anglia  (IX.  271  ff.),  has 
given  reasons  for  thinking  that  the  poet  used  some  other  Latin 
text.  He  rejects  ten  Brink's  conjecture  that  the  legend  of  Elene 
had  come  to  England  in  a  Greek  form.  As  to  the  author  of  the 
poem,  we  know  his  name,  but  very  little  else  about  him.  He  has 
left  us  his  name,  imbedded  in  runic  letters  as  an  acrostic,  in  the 
last  canto  of  the  poem,  q.i\  These  letters  spell  the  word  CYXE- 
WULF;  but  who  was  Cynewulf  ?  The  question  is  hard  to  answer, 
and  has  given  rise  to  much  discussion,  which  cannot  be  gone  into 
here.  A  good  summary  of  it  will  be  found  in  Wiilker's  Grundriss 
zur  Geschichte  der  Angelsdchsischen  Litteratur  (p.  147  ff.,  1885),  an 
indispensable  work  for  students  of  Old  English  literature.     The 


xiv  INTRODUCTION. 

old  view,  propounded  in  the  infancy  of  Anglo-Saxon  studies,  and 
held  by  Kemble,  Thorpe,  and,  doubtfully,  AVright,  that  he  was  the 
Abbot  of  Peterborough  and  Bishop  of  Winchester  (992-1008),  has 
been  abandoned  by  all  scholars,  so  far  as  I  know,  except  Professor 
Earle  of  Oxford  (see  his  "Anglo-Saxon  Literature,"  p.  228).  The 
later  view  of  Leo,  Dietrich,  Grein  and  Rieger,  our  chief  authorities, 
that  he  was  a  Northumbrian,  and  of  Dietrich  and  Grein,  that  he 
was  Bishop  of  Lindisfarne  (737-780),  has  more  to  be  said  for  it. 
Sweet  and  ten  Brink  also  hold  that  he  was  a  Northumbrian  of  the 
eighth  century,  but  not  the  Bishop  of  Lindisfarne,  while  Wulker 
regards  him  as  a  West-Saxon.  Professor  Henry  Morley,  in  the 
current  edition  of  his  "  English  Writers,"  has  devoted  a  chapter 
(Vol.  II.  Chap.  IX.,  1888)  to  Cynewulf,  and  virtually  concludes 
that  we  know  nothing  about  him  except  that  he  was  a  poet  and 
probably  lived  in  the  eighth  century.  W^e  shall  not  go  far  wrong 
in  regarding  him  as  a  Northumbrian  poet  of  the  eighth  century, 
possibly  the  Bishop  of  Lindisfarne,  even  though  his  works  remain 
to  us  only  in  the  West-Saxon  dialect.  As  in  the  Elene,  so  in  the 
Christ  and  the  Juliana,  Cynewulf  has  left  us  his  name,  hence  all 
agree  in  ascribing  to  him  these  poems  at  least.  To  these  some  of 
the  Riddles,  if  not  all,  are  usually  added,  but  this  is  now  con- 
tested. Other  poems,  as  the  Guthlac,  Phcenix,  Christ's  De- 
scent INTO  Hell,  Andreas,  Dream  of  the  Rood,  and  several 
other  shorter  poems,  have  been  ascribed  to  him  with  more  or  less 
probability,  and  very  recently  Sarrazin  (in  Anglia,  IX.  515  ff.) 
would  credit  him  with  the  authorship  of  even  the  Beowulf  (!). 
We  might  as  well  assign  to  him,  as  has  been  suggested,  all  the 
poems  in  the  two  great  manuscripts,  the  Exeter  Book  and  the  Ver- 
celli  Book,  and  be  done  with  it.  It  is  desirable  that  his  authorship 
of  the  Dream  of  the  Rood,  which  ten  Brink  and  Sweet  assign  to 
him,  but  Wulker  rejects,  should  be  proved  or  disproved;  for  with 
this  is  connected  the  question   of  his  Northumbrian  origin,  and 


INTRODUCTION .  xv 

some  lines  from  this  poem  have  been  inscribed  in  the  Northum- 
brian dialect  on  the  Ruthwell  Cross  in  Dumfriesshire. 

However  it  may  be,  a  poet  named  Cynewulf  wrote  the  Elene, 
and  thereby  left  us  one  of  the  finest  Old  English  poems  that  time 
has  preserved,  on  a  subject  that  was  of  great  interest  to  Christian 
Europe.  A  collection  of  "  Legends  of  the  Holy  Rood  "  has  been 
issued  by  the  Early  English  Text  Society  (ed.  Morris,  1871),  from 
the  x\.ngio-Saxon  period  to  Caxton's  translation  of  the  Legenda 
A  urea ;  but  they  are  arranged  without  system,  and  no  study  has 
been  made  of  the  date  and  relation  of  the  several  forms  of  the 
story.  If  Cynewulf  made  use  of  the  Latin  Life  of  Cyriacus  in  the 
Acta  Sanctorum,  he  expanded  his  source  considerably  and  showed 
great  skill  and  originality  in  his  treatment  of  the  subject,  as  may 
be  seen  by  comparing  the  translation  wdth  the  Latin  text  in  Zu- 
pitza's  third  edition  of  the  Elene  (1888),  or  in  Professor  Kent's 
forthcoming  American  edition,  after  Zupitza.  The  Old  English 
text  was  discovered  by  a  German  scholar.  Dr.  F.  Blume,  at  Ver- 
celli,  Italy,  in  1822,  and  the  manuscript  has  since  become  well 
known  as  the  Vercelli  Book  (cf.  Wiilker's  Grundriss,  ,p.  237  ff.). 
A  reasonable  conjecture  as  to  how  this  MS.  reached  Vercelli  may 
be  found  in  Professor  Cook's  pamphlet,  "  Cardinal  Guala  and  the 
Vercelli  Book."  A  Bibliography  of  the  Elene  will  be  found  in 
Wiilker,  Zupitza,  and  Kent.  English  translations  have  been  made 
by  Kemble,  in  his  edition  of  the  Codex  Vercellensis  (1856),  and 
very  recently  by  Dr.  R.  F.  Weymouth,  Acton,  England,  after  Zu- 
pitza's  text  (privately  printed,  1888).  A  German  translation  will 
be  found  in  Grein's  Dichtungen  der  AngelsacTisen  (II.  101  ft'.,  1859), 
and  of  lines  1-275  in  Korner's  Einleitung  in  das  Studium  des  Angel- 
sdchsischen  (p.  147  ff.,  1880).  A  good  summary  of  the  poem  is 
given  in  Earle's  "  Anglo-Saxon  Literature  "  (p.  234  ff.,  1884),  and 
a  briefer  one  in  Morley's  "English  Writers"  (II.  196  ff.). 

The  Elene  is  conceded  to  be  Cynewulf's  best  poem,  and  ten 


xvi  INTRODUCTION. 

Brink  remarks  of  the  Axdreas  and  the  Elene  :  "  In  these  Cyne- 
wulf  appears,  perhaps,  at  the  summit  of  his  art "  (p.  58,  Kennedy's 
translation).  The  last  canto  is  a  personal  epilogue,  of  a  sad  and 
reflective  character,  evidently  appended  after  the  poem  proper  was 
concluded.  This  may  be  the  last  work  of  the  poet,  and  there  is 
good  reason  for  ten  Brink's  view  (p.  59)  that  "  not  until  the  vsrit- 
ing  of  the  Elene  had  Cynewulf  entirely  fulfilled  the  task  he  had 
set  himself  in  consequence  of  his  vision  of  the  cross.  Hence  he 
recalls,  at  the  close  of  the  poem,  the  greatest  moment  of  his  life, 
and  praises  the  divine  grace  that  gave  him  deeper  knowledge,  and 
revealed  to  him  the  art  of  song." 

II.  The  Judith  is  a  fragment,  but  a  very  torso  of  Hercules. 
The  first  nine  cantos,  nearly  three-fourths  of  the  poem,  are  irre- 
trievably lost,  so  that  we  have  left  but  the  last  three  cantos  with  a 
few  lines  of  the  ninth.  The  story  is  from  the  apocryphal  book  of 
Judith,  and  the  part  remaining  corresponds  to  chapters  XII.  10  to 
XVI.  1,  but  the  poet  has  failed  to  translate  the  grand  thanksgiv- 
ing of  Judith  in  the  sixteenth  chapter.  The  story  of  Judith  and 
Holofernes  is  too  well  known  to  need  narration.  The  poet,  doubt- 
less, followed  the  Latin  Vulgate,  as  we  have  no  reason  to  think 
that  a  knowledge  of  Greek  was  a  common  possession  among  Old 
English  poets ;  but,  as  Professor  Cook  says,  "  the  order  of  events  is 
not  that  of  the  original  narrative.  Many  transpositions  have  been 
made  in  the  interest  of  condensation  and  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
hancing the  dramatic  liveliness  of  the  story." 

The  Old  English  text  is  found  in  the  same  manuscript  with  the 
Beowulf  (Cotton,  Vitellius,  A,  xv.),  and,  to  my  mind,  this  poem 
reminds  the  reader  more  of  the  vigor  and  fire  of  Beowulf  than 
does  any  other  Old  English  poem;  but  its  author  is  unknown.  It 
has  been  assigned  by  some  scholars  to  the  tenth  century,  which  is 
rather  late  for  it ;  but  Professor  Cook  has  given  reasons  for  thinking 
that  it  may  have  been  written  in  the  second  half  of  the  ninth  cen- 


INTRODUCTION.  xvn 

tury  in  honor  of  Judith,  the  step-mother  of  King  Alfred.  It  was 
first  printed  as  jDrose  by  Thwaites  at  the  close  of  his  "  Heptateuch, 
Book  of  Job,  and  Gospel  of  Nicodemus  "  (1698),  and  has  been  often 
reprinted,  its  shortness  and  excellence  making  it  a  popular  piece 
for  inclusion  in  Anglo-Saxon  Readers.  A  most  complete  edition 
has  been  recently  (1888)  issued  by  Professor  Albert  S.  Cook,  with 
an  excellent  introduction,  a  translation,  and  a  glossary.  A  Bibli- 
ography is  given  by  Professor  Cook  (px?.  71-73),  and  by  Wiilker 
(Grunch'iss,  p.  140  ff.).  To  the  translations  therein  enumerated 
may  be  added  the  one  in  Morley's  "English  Writers"  (II.  180  ff.). 
Professor  Cook  has  also  given  (pp.  Ixix-lxxii)  the  testimonies  of 
scholars  to  the  worth  of  this  poem.  To  these  the  attention  of  the 
reader  is  especially  called.  The  Judith  has  been  treated  by  both 
ten  Brink  and  'Wiilker  as  belonging  to  the  Caednion  circle,  but  the 
former  well  says  (p.  47)  :  "  This  fragment  produces  an  impression 
more  like  that  of  the  national  epos  than  is  the  case  with  any  other 
religious  poetry  of  that  epoch ; "  and  Sweet  (Reader,  p.  157)  regards 
it  as  belonging  "to  the  culminating  point  of  the  Old  Northumbrian 
literature,  combining  as  it  does  the  highest  dramatic  and  construc- 
tive power  with  the  utmost  brilliance  of  language  and  metre." 

III.  The  Athelstax,  or  Fight  at  Brunanburh,  is  found  in  four 
manuscripts  of  the  "Anglo-Saxon  Chronicle  "  and  in  Wheloc's  edition 
(1643),  printed  from  a  ]\IS.  that  was  l^urnt  in  the  unfortunate  fire 
among  the  Cottoniau  manuscripts  (1731).  It  is  entered  under  the 
year  937  in  aU  but  one  ]\IS.,  where  it  occurs  under  938.  The  poem 
gives  a  brief,  but  graphic,  description  of  the  fight  between  King 
Athelstan  and  his  brother  Edmund  on  the  one  side,  and  Constan- 
tino and  his  Scots  aided  by  Anlaf  and  his  Danes,  or  Northmen,  on 
the  other,  in  which  fight  the  Saxons  were  completely  victorious. 
The  poem  will  be  found  in  all  editions  of  the  "Anglo-Saxon  Chron- 
icle "  from  AVheloc  to  Earle  (1865),  and  has  been  repeatedly  i-e- 
printed,  its  brevity  causing  it  to  be  often  included  a<^  a  specimen 


xviii  INTRODUCTION. 

of  Old  English,  but  it  is  omitted  in  Sweet's  Reader.  A  Bibliogv 
raphy  will  be  found  in  Wiilker's  Grimdriss  (p.  339  ff.).  To  the 
English  translations  there  mentioned,  —  which  include  a  poetical 
one  by  Lord  Tennyson,  after  a  prose  translation  by  his  son  in  the 
Contemporary  Review  for  November,  1876,  —  may  be  added  the 
prose  translation  by  Kennedy  in  ten  Brink  (p.  91)  and  the  rhyth- 
mical one  by  Professor  Morley  in  his  "  English  Writers  "  (II.  316- 
17).  ten  Brink  thinks  that  the  poem  was  not  written  by  an  eye- 
witness, and  says  (p.  92)  :  "  The  poem  lacks  the  epic  perception 
and  direct  power  of  the  folk-song  as  well  as  invention.  The 
patriotic  enthusiasm,  however,  upon  which  it  is  borne,  the  lyrical 
strain  which  pervades  it,  yield  their  true  effect.  The  rich  resources 
derived  from  the  national  epos  are  here  happily  utilised,  and  the 
pure  versification  and  brilliant  style  of  the  whole  stir  our  admira- 
tion." It  well  serves  to  diversify  and  enliven  the  usually  dry 
annals  of  the  "  Anglo-Saxon  Chronicle,"  and  cannot  be  spared  in 
the  great  dearth  of  poetry  of  this  period. 

IV.  The  Byrhtnoth,  or  Fight  at  Maldon,  relates  in  vigorous 
verse  the  contest  between  the  Saxons,  led  by  the  Ealdorman  Byrht- 
noth, and  the  Danes  at  the  river  Panta,  near  Maldon  in  Essex,  in 
which  the  Danes  were  victorious  and  Byrhtnoth  was  slain.  The 
incident  is  mentioned  in  four  manuscripts  of  the  "  Anglo-Saxon 
Chronicle"  under  the  year  991,  but  one  gives  it  under  993.  The 
MS.  in  which  the  poem  was  contained  was  unfortunately  burnt 
in  the  great  fire  above-mentioned  (1731)  ;  but  Thomas  Hearne,  the 
antiquary,  had  fortunately  printed  it,  as  prose,  in  his  edition  of 
the  Chronicle  of  John  of  Glastonbury  (1726)  ;  hence  this  is  now 
our  sole  authority  for  the  text,  which  is  defective  at  both  the  be- 
ginning and  the  end.  The  poem  has  been  highly  esteemed  by 
scholars,  and  is  a  very  valuable  relic  of  late  tenth  century  litera- 
ture. It  has  been  often  reprinted,  and  translated  several  times  in 
whole  or  in  part.     Grein  does  not  translate  either  the  Athelstan 


INTRODUCTION.  xix 

or  the  Byrhtnoth.  Korner  translates  it  in  full,  and  so  does 
Zernial  in  his  Program  "Das  Lied  von  Byrhtnoth's  Fall"  (1882). 
This  monograph  contains  the  fullest  study  of  the  poem  that  has 
been  made.  It  is  translated  into  English,  with  some  omissions, 
by  Kennedy  in  ten  Brink  (pp.  93-96);  it  is  barely  mentioned  by 
Earle  (p.  147),  and  a  summary  of  it  is  given  by  Morley  in  "  Eng- 
lish Writers"  (II.  319-320).  A  Bibliography  will  be  found  in 
Wiilker's  Grumlriss  (pp.  344-5).  An  edition  of  both  Atiielstan 
and  Byrhtnoth  has  been  long  announced  in  the  "  Library  of 
Anglo-Saxon  Poetry,"  but  it  has  not  yet  appeared.*  Sweet  says 
of  the  Byrhtnoth  (Reader,  p.  138) :  "  Although  the  poem  does 
not  show  the  high  technical  finish  of  the  older  works,  it  is  fuU  of 
dramatic  power  and  warm  feeling  " ;  and  ten  Brink,  with  more 
enthusiasm,  calls  it  (p.  96)  "  one  of  the  pearls  of  Old  English 
poetry,  full,  as  it  is,  of  dramatic  life,  and  fidelity  of  an  eye-witness. 
Its  deep  feeling  throbs  in  the  clear  and  powerful  portrayal."  He 
recognizes,  however,  "  the  tokens  of  metrical  decline,  of  the  disso- 
lution of  ancient  art-forms."    «  Crow's  "Maklou  and  Brunnaiilmrh,"  1897. 

V.  The  Dream  of  the  Rood  is  found  in  the  Vercelli  manu- 
script. Wtilker's  Grundriss  gives  the  literature  of  the  subject  to 
the  time  of  its  publication  (1885).  Soon  afterwards  INIorley's 
"  English  Writers,"  Vol.  II.,  appeared  (1888),  in  which  an  English 
translation  is  given  (pp.  237-241);  also  Stopford  Brooke,  in  his 
"History  of  Early  English  Literature  "  (1892),  has  given  an  account 
of  the  poem,  with  partial  translation  and  epitome  (pj).  436-443). 
(See  also  p.  337  and  pp.  384-386  for  further  notice.)  The  poem 
is  very  briefly  mentioned  by  Trautmann  in  his  monograj)h  on 
CynewuLf  (1898,  p.  40).  There  are  some  very  interesting  questions 
connected  with  the  poem  which  cannot  be  discussed  here.  Was 
it  by  Cynewulf  ?  On  the  affirmative  side  we  find  Dietrich,  Rieger, 
Grein,  ten  Brink,  D'Ham,  and  Sweet.  On  the  negative,  Wiilker, 
Ebert,  Trautmann,  Stephens,  Morley,  Brooke,  and  others.    Pacius, 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

who  edited  the  text,  with  a  German  translation,  in  1873,  thinks 
that  we  know  nothing  about  the  poet.  Broolce  has  propounded  a 
theory,  previously  adumbrated  liy  the  editors  of  the  Corpus  Poeti- 
cum  Boreale,  Vigfusson  and  Powell,  that  an  older  poem,  possibly 
of  Csedmonian  origin,  as  shown  by  the  long  six-accent  lines,  has 
been  worked  over  by  Cynewulf ,  with  additions,  and  that  it  is  "  his 
last  work  "  (p.  440).  Certain  lines  of  the  poem,  in  the  Noi'thum- 
brian  dialect,  are  found  on  the  Ruthwell  Cross,  which  fact  com- 
plicates the  question  of  origin.  These  are  compared  by  Brooke 
(p.  337).  The  other  upholders  of  the  Cynewulfian  authorship  think 
that  this  Dream,  occurring  in  the  early  part  of  Cynewulf 's  religious 
life,  led  to  the  longer  and  more  highly  finished  poem,  the  Elene, 
written  near  the  close  of  his  life.  The  questions  of  the  relation- 
ship of  the  poem  to  the  Ruthwell  Cross  and  to  the  Elene  deserve 
further  discussion.  With  these  is  connected  the  question  of  date, 
and  the  poem  has  been  placed  all  the  way  from  700  to  800  a.d., 
even  a  little  before  and  a  little  after,  possibly  675  to  825  a.d.,  so 
as  yet  there  is  no  common  agreement.  The  similarity  of  thought 
in  the  personal  epilogue  (11.  122  ff.)  to  the  epilogue  of  the  Elene 
(11.  1237  ff.)  is  striking,  and  they  may  be  compared  by  the  cui'i- 
ous  reader.  The  translation  is  made  from  the  Grein-Wiilker  text 
(Vol.  II.,  pp.  116-125),  with  emendations  from  others,  as  seen 
in  the  notes.  All  can  agree  with  Kemble  (Codex  Vercellensis,  Part 
II.,  p.  ix)  that  "  it  is  in  some  respects  the  most  striking  of  all  the 
Anglo-Saxon  remains,  inasnruch  as  a  departure  from  the  mere 
conventional  style  of  such  compositions  is  very  perceptible  in  it. 
It  contains  some  passages  of  real  poetical  beauty,  and  a  good  deal 
of  fancy."  Brooke  says  (op.  cit.,  p.  443)  :  "  This  is  the  last  of 
the  important  poems  of  the  eighth  century.  It  is  good,  but  not 
very  good.  The  older  part,  if  my  conjecture  be  right,  is  the 
best,  and  its  reworking  by  Cynewulf  has  so  broken  it  up  that  its 
dignity  is  much  damaged.     The  shaping  is  rude,  but  the  imagina- 


INTRODUCTION.  xxi 

tion  has  indeed  shaped  it."  ten  Brink  says  (p.  53)  :  "Cynewnlf 
himself  has  immortalized  this  vision  in  a  poem,  giving  utterance 
to  an  irrepressible  emotion,  but  still  exhibiting  the  delicate  lines 
of  a  beautifully  designed  composition."  The  other  Germans  are 
usually  so  taken  up  with  technical  and  mechanical  questions  that 
they  leave  no  room  for  esthetic  considerations.  Whether  Cyne- 
wulf  wrote  the  poem  or  not,  —  and  the  probabilities  favor  his 
authorship,  though  we  may  not  hesitate  to  say  with  Morley,  "  I 
don't  know,"  —  it  is  certainly  the  work  of  a  gifted  Christian  poet, 
who  revei'ences  the  cross  as  the  means  of  the  redemption  of 
mankind. 

This  brief  Introduction  will,  it  is  hoped,  be  sufficient  to  interest 
the  reader  in  the  accompanying  translations  of  some  of  the  finest 
pieces  of  Old  English  poetry  that  remain  to  us  from  the  eighth, 
ninth,  and  tenth  centuries.  The  earlier  period  was  the  golden 
age  of  Old  English  poetry  in  the  Northumbrian  dialect,  which 
poetry,  there  is  good  reason  to  think,  was  copied  into  the  West- 
Saxon  dialect,  and  it  now  remains  to  us  only  in  that  form ;  for, 
when  the  Northmen  harried  Northumbria,  destroj'ed  its  monas- 
teries, massacred  its  inhabitants,  and  settled  in  its  homes,  manu- 
scripts perished,  and  tlie  light  of  learning  in  AVestern  Euroj^e  was 
extinguished.  It  is  sufficient  to  recall  King  Alfred's  oft-quoted 
lament,  in  the  Preface  to  his  translation  of  Pope  Gregory's 
"  Pastoral  Care,"  to  realize  the  jjosition  held  h\  Xoi'thumbria 
in  respect  to  culture,  and  when  learning  was  restored  in  Wessex 
by  the  efforts  of  the  king  himself,  and  poetry  again  revived,  it 
shone  but  by  a  reflected  light.  Still  we  shou.ld  treasiu'e  all  that 
remains,  and  the  Old  English  language  should  be  at  least  as  well 
known  as  Latin  is  now,  and  should  occupy  as  prominent  a  position 
in  education  and  general  culture.  Until  that  millennial  period 
arrives,  translations  of  Old  English  poems  may  not  be  without 
service. 


i  INTRODUCTION. 

Abbkeviatioxs  in  Notes. 

B.  =  Bouterwek  ;            C.  =  Cook ;  Gm.  =  Grimm ; 

Gn.  =  Greiu  ;                     K.  =  Kemble ;  Kl.  =  Kluge ; 

Kr.  =  Korner  ;                    S.  =  Sievers ;  Sw.  —  Sweet ; 

Th.  =  Thorpe ;                 W.  =  Wulker  ;  Z.  =  Zupitza  ; 
Zl.  =  Zernial. 


CYNEWULF'S     ELENE. 


"\^ni6n  had  elapsed  in  course  of  years 

Two  hundred  and  three,  reckoned  by  number, 

And  thirt}'  als6,  in  measure  of  tune. 

Of  winters  for  th'  workl,  since  mighty  God 

Became  incarnate,  of  kings  the  Glory,  5 

Up6n  mid-earth  in  liiunan  form, 

Light  of  the  righteous ;  then  sixth  was  the  year 

Of  Constantine's  imperial  SAvay, 

Since  he  o'er  the  realm  of  the  Eoman  people, 

The  battle-prince,  as  ruler  was  raised*.  10 

The  ward  of  his  folk,  skilful  with  shield, 

Was  gracious  to  earls.     Strong  grew  the  aetheling's  ^ 

Might  'neath  the  heavens.     He  was  true  king. 

War-keeper  of  men.     God  him  strengthened 

With  honor  and  might,  that  to  many  became  he  15 

Throughout  this  earth  to  men  a  joy. 

To  nations  a  vengeance,  when  weapon  he  raised 

Against  his  foes.     Him  battle  was  offered. 

Tumult  of  war.     A  host  was  assembled, 

Folk  of  the  Huns  and  fame-loving  Goths ;  20 

War-brave  they  went,  the  Franks  and  the  Hugs.^ 

Bold  were  the  men  [in  battle-byrnies,  Gn.], 

Eeady  for  war.     Bright  shone  the  spears, 

1  Prince's.  '^  MS.  '  Huns,' hnt  Z.  reads  '  Hugs.'     Q/".  W. 


2  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [24-53. 

Tlie  ringed  corselets.     With  shouts  and  shields 

They  hoisted  the  standards.     The  heroes  were  there  25 

Plainly  assembled,  and  [host,  Gn.]  all  together. 

The  multitude  marched.     A  war-song  howled 

The  wolf  in  the  wood,  war-secret  concealed  not ; 

The  dew-feathered  eagle  uplifted  his  song 

On  the  trail  of  his  foes.     Hastened  quickly  30 

O'er  cities  of  giants  ^  the  greatest  of  war-hosts 

In  bands  to  battle,  such  as  king  of  the  Huns 

Of  dwellers-around  anywhere  might, 

Of  city-warriors,  assemble  to  war. 

Went  greatest  of   armies,  —  the  footmen  were 

strengthened  35 

With  chosen  bands,  —  till  in  foreign  land 
The  fighters-with-darts  upon  the  Danube's 
Bank  were  encamping,  the  brave  in  heart, 
'Round  the  welling  of  waters,  with  tumult  of  host. 
The  realm  of  the  Romans  they  wished  to  oppress,  40 

With  armies  destroy.     Th^re  was  Huns'  coming 
Known  to  the  people.     Then  bade  the  Caesar 
Against  the  foes  his  comrades  in  war 
'Neath  arrow-flight  in  greatest  haste 

Gather  for  fight,  form  battle-array  45 

The  heroes  'neath  heavens.     The  Romans  were. 
Men  famed  for  victory,  quickly  prepared 
With  weapons  for  war,  though  lesser  army 
Had  th6y  for  the  battle  than  king  of  the  Huns.^ 
They  rode  'round  the  valiant :  then  rattled  the  shield,         50 
The  war-wood  clanged :  the  king  with  host  marched, 
With  army  to  battle.  (^  Aloft  sang  the  raven, 
Dark  and  corpse-greedy." ,  The  band  was  in  motion. 


1 '  O'er  land  of  Burguudians,'  Gn. 
2  Z.  has  no  point,  W.  puts  ( ;),  Gn.  (.) 


54-85.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  3 

The  liorn-bearers  blew/  the  heralds  called, 

Steed  stamped  the  earth.     The  host  assembled  55 

Quickly  for  contest.     The  king  was  affrighted, 

With  terror  disturbed,  after  the  strangers, 

The  Huns'  and  Hreths'  h6st  they  ^  observed. 

That  it  ^  on  the  Romans'  kingdom's  border 

'Round  the  bank  of  the  river  a  band  assembled,  60 

A  countless  crowd.     Heart-sorrow  bore 

The  Romans'  ruler,  of  realm  he  hoped  not 

For  want  of  force ;  had  warriors  too  few, 

Trusty  comrades,  'gainst  th'  overmight 

Of  the  brave  for  battle.     The  army  encamped,  65 

The  earls  'round  the  setheling  nigh  to  the  river 

In  neighboring  plain  a  night-long  time. 

After  force  of  their  foes  they  first  beheld. 

Th^n  in  his  sleep  was  shown  to  him, 

To  the  Caesar  himself  where  he  slept  'mid  his  men,  70 

By  the  victory-famed  seen,  a  vision  of  dream. 

Effulgent  it  seemed  him,  in  form  of  a  man. 

White  and  hue-bright,  some  one  of  heroes 

More  splendid  appeared  than  ere  or  since 

He  saw  'neath  the  heavens.     From  sleep  he  awaked  75 

With  boar-sign  bedecked.     The  messenger  quickly, 

Bright  herald  of  glory,  to  him  made  address 

And  called  him  by  name  (the  night-veil  vanished)  : 

"  To  thee,  Constantine,  bade  King  of  the  angels, 

Wielder  of  fates,  his  favor  grant,  80 

The  Lord  of  Hosts.     Fear  not  for  thyself. 

Though  thee  the  strangers  threaten  with  terror. 

With  battle  severe.     Look  thou  to  heaven, 

To  the  Lord  of  glory :  there  help  wilt  thou  find, 

A  token  of  victory."     Soon  was  he  ready  85 

1  '  Hurried,'  Z.3  -  '  He,'  W.  3  <  Which,'  Z. 


4  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [8G-113. 

At  best  of  the  lioly,  his  heart-lock  unloosed, 

Upwards  he  looked  as  the  messenger  bade  hun, 

Trusty  peace-weaver.     He  saw  bright  with  gems 

Fair  rood  of  glory  o'er  roof  of  the  clouds 

Adorned  with  gold:  the  jewels  shone,  90 

The  glittering  tree  with  letters  was  written 

Of  brightness  and  light :  "  With  this  beacon  thou 

On  the  dangerous  journey  ^  wilt  the  foe  overcome. 

The  loathly  host  let."     The  light  then  departed, 

Ascended  on  high,  and  the  messenger  too,  95 

To  the  realm  of  the  pure.     The  king  was  the  blither 

And  freer  from  sorrow,  chieftain  of  men, 

In  thoughts  of  his  soul,  for  thdt  fair  sight. 

II. 

Bade  then  a  likeness  ^  defender  of  aethelings, 

Ring-giver  of  heroes,  to  that  beacon  he  saw,  100 

Leader  of  armies,  that  in  heaven  before 

To  him  had  appeared,  with  greatest  haste 

[Bade]  Constantine  [like]  the  rood  of  Christ, 

The  glorious  king,  a  token  make. 

He  bade  then  at  dawn  with  break  of  day  105 

His  warriors  rouse  and  onset  of  battle, 

The  standard  raise,  and  that  holy  tree 

Before  him  carry,  'mid  host  of  foes 

God's  beacon  bear.     The  trumpets  sang 

Aloud  'fore  the  hosts.     The  raven  rejoiced,^  110 

The  dew-feathered  eagle  beheld  the  march. 

Fight  of  the  fierce  ones,  the  wolf  raised  his  howl, 

The  wood's  frequenter.     War-terror  arose. 


^  '  In  the  terrible  danger,'  Gn.  -  Lit.  '  in  lilse  manner,'  adv. 

3  Add  '  at  the  worli.' 


lU-Uo.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELEXE.  5 

There  was  shattering  of  shields  and  mingling  of  men, 

Heavy  handstroke  and  felling  of  foes,  115 

After  in  arrow-flight  first  they  had  met. 

On  the  fated  folk  showers  of  darts, 

Spears  over  shields  into  hosts  of  foes, 

Sword-iierce  foemen  battle-adders 

With  force  of  fingers  forwards  impelled.  120 

The  strong-hearted  stepped,  pressed  onwards  at  once, 

Broke  the  shield-covers,  thrust  in  their  swords, 

Battle-brave  hastened.     Then  standard  was  raised, 

Sign  'fore  the  host,  song  of  victory  sung. 

The  golden  helmet,  the  spear-points  glistened  125 

On  field  of  battle.     The  heathen  perished, 

Peaceless  they  fell.     Forthwith  they  fled, 

The  folk  of  the  Huns,  when  that  holy  tree 

The  king  of  the  Romans  bade  raise  on  high, 

Fierce  in  the  fight.     The  warriors  became  130 

Widely  dispersed.     Some  war  took  away; 

Some  with  labor  their  lives  preserved 

Upon  that  march ;  some  half-alive 

Fled  to  the  fastness  and  life  protected 

Behind  the  stone-cliffs,  held  their  abode  135 

Around  the  Danube  ;  some  drowning  took  off 

In  the  stream  of  the  river  at  the  end  of  theii-  life. 

Then  wds  of  the  proud  ones  the  force  in  joy ; 

They  followed  the  foreigners  forth  until  even 

From  break  of  day.     The  ash-darts  flew,  140 

Battle-adders.     The  heap  was  destroyed,^ 

Shield-band  of  foes.     Very  few  came 

Of  the  host  of  the  Huns  home  again  thence. 

Th^n  it  was  plain  that  victory  gave 

To  Constantine  the  King  Almighty  145 


'  Dimiuished,'  Gn. 


6  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [14G-177. 

In  the  work  of  tliat  day,  glorious  honor, 

Might  'neath  the  heavens,  through  the  tree  of  his  rood. 

Went  helmet  of  hosts  home  again  thence, 

In  booty  rejoicing  (the  battle  was  ended), 

Honored  in  war.     Came  warriors'  defence  150 

With  band  of  his  thanes  to  deck  the  strong  shield,^ 

War-renowned  king,  to  visit  his  cities. 

Bade  warriors'  ward  the  wisest  men 

Swiftly  to  synod,  who  wisdom's  craft 

Through  writings  of  old  had  learnt  to  know,  165 

Held  in  their  hearts  counsels  of  heroes. 

Then  thdt  gan  inquire  chief  of  the  folk, 

Victory-famed  king,  throughout  the  wide  crowd, 

If  any  there  were,  elder  or  younger. 

Who  him  in  truth  was  able  to  tell,  160 

Make  known  by  speech,  what  the  god  were. 

The  giver  of  glory,^  ''  whose  beacon  this  was, 

That  seemed  me  so  sheen,  and  saved  my  people, 

Brightest  of  beacons,  and  gave  to  me  glory, 

War-speed  against  foes,  through  that  beautiful  tree."       165 

They  him  any  answer  at  all  were  unable 

To  give  in  reply,  nor  could  they  full  well 

Clearly  declare  of  that  victory-sign. 

Th^n  did  the  wisest  speak  out  in  words 

Before  the  armed  host,  that  Heaven-king's  170 

Token  it  was,  and  of  that  was  no  doubt. 

When  they  that  heard  who  in  baptism's  lore 

Instructed  had  been,  light  was  their  mind. 

Rejoicing  their  soul,  though  of  them  there  were  few, 

That  they  'fore  the  Caesar  might  dare  to  proclaim  175 

The  gift  of  the  gospel,  how  the  spirits'  Defence, 

In  form  of  the  Trinity  worshipped  in  glory, 

1  i.e.,  with  precious  stones.    Kr.  reads  '  (rattled  strong  shields).' 

2  '  Gold,'  Kr.  '  Lord  of  the  house,'  Gn.  Cf.  W. 


178-206.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELEXE.  7 

Incarnate  became,  Brightness  of  kings,  — 

And  how  on  the  cross  was  God's  own  Son 

Hanged  'fore  tlie  hosts  with  hardest  pains ;  180 

The  Son  men  saved  from  the  bonds  of  devils, 

Sorrowful  spirits,  and  a  gift  to  them  gave 

Through  thdt  same  sign  that  appeared  to  him 

Before  his  own  eyes  the  token  of  victory 

'Gainst  onset  of  nations  ;  and  hoAv  the  third  day  185 

From  out  of  the  tomb  the  Glory  of  heroes, 

From  death,  arose,  the  Lord  of  all 

The  race  of  mankind,  and  to  Heaven  ascended. 

So  with  cunning  of  mind  in  secrets  of  soul 

They  said  to  the  victor  as  they  by  Sylvester  ^  190 

Instructed  had  been.     From  him  the  folk-chief 

Baptism  received,  and  continued  to  hold  it 

For  the  time  of  his  days  at  the  will  of  the  Lord. 

III. 

Th6n  was  in  bliss  the  giver  of  treasure. 

The  battle-brave  king.     To  him  was  now  joy  195 

Inspired  in  his  soul ;  greatest  of  comtorts 

And  highest  of  hopes  was  heaven's  Defence. 

Then  gan  he  God's  law  by  day  and  by  night 

Through  gift  of  the  Spirit  with  zeal  proclaim. 

And  truly  himself  devoted  he  eagerly,  200 

Gold-friend  of  men,  to  the  service  of  God, 

Spear-famed,  unfaltering.    Then  found  the  aetheling, 

Defence  of  his  folk,  through  learned  men,^ 

War-brave,  spear-bold,  in  books  of  God, 

Wh^re  had  been  hanged  with  shouts  of  the  host  205 

On  tree  of  the  rood  the  Eiiler  of  heaven 


1  The  Bishop  of  Rome.  2  Ljt.,  '  smiths  of  lore.' 


8  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [207-238. 

Through  envy  and  hate,  just  ds  the  old  fiend 

Misled  with  his  lies,  the  people  deceived, 

The  race  of  the  Jews,  so  that  God  himself 

They  hanged,  Lord  of  hosts :  hence  in  misery  shall  they     210 

For  ever  and  ever  punishment  suffer. 

Then  praise  of  Christ  by  the  Csesar  was 

In  the  thoughts  of  his  mind  ^  always  remembered 

For  that  great  tree,  and  his  mother  he  bade 

G6  on  a  journey  with  a  band  of  men  215 

To  [land  of]  the  Jews,  earnestly  seek 

With  host  of  warriors  where  that  tree  of  glory 

Holy  'neath  earth  hidden  might  be, 

The  noble  King's  rood.     Helena  would  not 

On  that  expedition  be  slow  to  start,  220 

Nor  that  joy-giver's  command  neglect, 

Her  own  [dear]  son's,  but  soon  she  ^  was  ready 

For  the  wished-for  journey,  as  the  helmet  of  men, 

Of  mail-clad  warriors,  her  had  commanded. 

Gan  then  with  speed  the  crowd  of  earls  225 

Hasten  to  ship.^     The  steeds  of  the  sea 

'Round  the  shore  of  the  ocean  ready  were  standing, 

Cabled  sea-horses,  at  rest  on  the  water. 

Then  plainly  was  known  the  voyage  of  the  lady, 

When  the  welling  of  waves  she  sought  with  her  folk.      230 

There  many  a  proud  one  at  Wendel-sea 

Stood  on  the  shore.     They  severally  hastened 

Over  the  mark-paths,  band  after  band. 

And  then  they  loaded  w4th  battle-sarks. 

With  shields  and  spears,  with  mail-clad  warriors,  235 

With  men  and  women,  the  steeds  of  the  sea. 

Then  they  let  o'er  the  billows  the  foamy  ones  go. 

The  high  wave-rushers.     The  hull  oft  received 

1  Z.  supposes  lacuna  of  one  verse ;  W.  thinks  it  unnecessary. 

2  Lit.,  '  tlie  woman.'  3  Lit,,  '  to  the  sea,'  or  '  sea-journey.' 


239-272.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  9 

O'er  the  mingling  of  waters  the  blows  of  the  Avaves. 

The  sea  resounded.     Not  since  nor  ere  heard  1  240 

On  water-stream  a  lady  lead, 

On  ocean-street,  a  fairer  force. 

There  might  he  see,  who  that  voyage  beheld. 

Burst  o'er  the  bath-way  the  sea-wood,  hasten 

'Neath  swelling  sails,  the  sea-horse  play,  245 

The  wave-floater  sail.     The  warriors  were  blithe. 

Courageous  in  mind ;  queen  joyed  in  her  journey. 

After  to  haven  the  ring^d-prowed 

O'er  the  sea-fastness  had  hnished  their  course 

To  the  land  of  the  Greeks,  they  let  the  keels  250 

At  the  shore  of  the  sea  beat  by  the  breakers, 

The  old  sea-dwellings  at  anchor  fast. 

On  the  water  await  the  fate  of  the  heroes, 

When  the  w^arlike  queen  with  her  band  of  men 

Over  the  east-ways  should  seek  them  again.  255 

There  wis  on  [each]  earl  easily  seen 

The  braided  byrnie  and  tested  SAVord, 

Glittering  war-weeds,  many  a  helmet. 

Beautiful  boar-sign.     The  spear-warriors  were, 

Men  'round  victor-queen,  prepared  for  the  march,  260 

Brave  war-heroes.     They  marched  with  joy 

Into  land  of  the  Greeks,  the  Caesar's  heralds, 

Battle-warriors  with  armor  protected. 

There  wds  to  be  seen  treasure-gem  set 

'Mid  that  army-host,  gift  of  their  lord.  265 

[Then]  w^s  the  blessed  Helena  mindful. 

Bold  in  her  thought,  of  the  prince's  will, 

Eager  in  mind,  in  that  sh6  of  the  Jews, 

O'er  the  army-fields  with  tested  band 

Of  warriors-with-shields,  the  land  was  seeking,  270 

With  host  of  men ;  so  it  after  befell 

In  little  while  that  thit  force  of  men, 


10  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [273-301. 

War-famed  heroes,  to  Hierusaleni ' 

Came  to  the  city  the  greatest  of  crowds, 

Spear-famed  earls,  with  the  noble  queen.  275 


IV. 

Bade  she  then  order  the  dwellers-in-city 

Most  skilled  in  lore,  those  far  and  wide 

Among  the  Jews,  each  one  of  men, 

For  council-talk  in  meeting  to  come, 

Wh6  most  deeply  the  secrets  of  God  280 

By  righteous  law  were  able  to  tell. 

Then  was  assembled  from  distant  ways 

No  little  crowd  who  Moses'  law 

Were  able  to  tell.     In  number  there  were 

Of  thousands  three  of  th6se  [learned]  men  285 

Chosen  for  lore.     The  lovely  woman 

The  men  of  the  Hebrews  with  words  gan  address : 

"  I  thdt  most  surely  have  learnt  to  know 

Through  secret  words  of  prophets  [of  old] 

In  the  books  of  God,  that  in  days  of  yore  290 

Ye  worthy  were  of  the  glorious  King, 

Dear  to  the  Lord  and  daring  in  deed. 

Lo !  y6  that  wisdom  [very,  Gn.]  unwisely. 

Wrongly,  rejected,  when  him  ye  condemned 

Who  you  from  the  curse  through  might  of  his  glory,        295 

From  torment  of  fire,  thought  to  redeem. 

From  fetters'  force.     Ye  filthily  spat 

On  his  fair  face  who  light  of  the  eyes 

From  blindness  [restored],  a  remedy  brought 

To  you  anew  by  that  noble  spittle,  300 

And  often  preserved  you  fr6m  the  unclean 

1  A.-S.  form  retaiued  for  the  sake  of  the  accent  aud  alliteration. 


a02-a;}2.]  CYNEWULFS    ELENE.  11 

Spirits  of  devils.     This  one  to  death 

Ye  gan  adjudge,  who  self  from  death 

Many  aivakened  'mong  host  of  men 

Of  your  own  race  to  the  former  life.  305 

So  blinded  in  mind  ye  gan  conjoin 

Lj-ing  with  truth,  light  with  darkness, 

Hatred  with  mercy,  with  evil  thoughts 

Ye  wickedness  wove ;  therefore  the  curse 

You  guilty  oppresses.     The  purest  Might     .  310 

Ye  gan  condemn,  and  have  lived  in  error, 

In  thoughts  benighted,  until  this  day. 

Go  ye  now  quickly,  with  })rudence  select 

Men  firm  in  wisdom,  crafty  in  word,  ^      ' 

Who  y6ur  own  law,  with  excellence  skilled,  315 

In  thoughts  of  their  minds  most  thoroughly  have, 

Who  to  me  truly  are  able  to  say. 

Answer  to  tell  for  3'ou  hencef6rth 

Of  each  one  of  tokens  that  t  from  thee  seek." 

They  went  then  away  sorry-in-mind,  320 

The  law-elever  earls,  oppressed  with  fear, 

Sad  in  their  grief,  earnestly  sought 

The  Avisest  men  in  secrets  of  words, 

That  they  to  the  queen  might  answer  well 

Both  of  good  and  of  ill,  as  she  from  them  sought.  325 

Then  th^y  'mong  the  host  a  thousand  of  men 

Found  clever  in  mind  wh6  the  old  story 

Among  the  Jews  most  readily  knew. 

Then  they  pressed  in  a  crowd  where  in  pomp  awaited 

On  kingly  throne  the  Caesar's  mother,^  330 

Stately  war-queen  with  gold  adorned. 

Helena  spake  and  said  'fore  the  earls : 


1  Lit., '  kinswoman.'    The  Elizabethan  '  Kesar '  would  preserve  the  allit- 
eration in  this  line. 


12  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [333-r>(;jJ. 

"Hear,  clever  in  mind,  the  holy  secret, 

Word  and  wisdom.  •  Lo  !  y^  the  prophets' 

Teaching  received,  h6w  the  Life-giver  335 

In  form  of  a  child  incarnate  became, 

Euler  of  might.     Of  him  Moses  sang 

And  spake  this  [word],^  warden  of  Israel :     i 

'  To  y6u  shall  be  born  a  child  in  secret  \ 

Kenowned  in  might,  though  his  mother  shall  not  340 

Be  filled  with  fi;uit  through  love  of  a  man.' 

Of  him  David  the  king  a  kingly  psalm  sang, 

The  wise  old  sage,  father  of  Solomon, 

And  spake  this  word,  prince  of  warriors  ; 

'  The  God  of  creation  before  me  I  saw,  345 

Lord  of  victories.     He  wds  in  my  sight, 

Ruler  of  hosts,  upon  my  right  hand, 

Guardian  of  glory.     Thence  turn  I  n6t 

Ever  in  life  my  countenance  from  him.'^ 

So  it  again  of  you  Isaiah  350 

'Fore  the  people,  the  prophet,  foretold  in  words, 

Thinking  profoundly  by  spirit  of  the  Lord  : 

'  I  raised  upon  high  sons  young  in  years. 

And  children  begat,  to  whom  glory  I  gave, 

Heart-comfort  holy  :  but  tli^y  me  rejected,  355 

With  enmity  hated,  forethought  possessed  not. 

Wisdom  of  mind,  and  the  wretched  cattle, 

That  on  each  day  one  drives  and  strikes, 

Their  well-doer  know,  not  at  ^11  with  revenge 

Bear  hate  to  their  friends  who  give  them  fodder.  360 

And  the  folk  of  Israel  never  were  willing 

Me  to  acknowledge,  though  many  for  them. 

In  worldly  course,  of  wonders  I  wroiight.'^ 

1  Gn.  and  Z.    W.  omits.  2  psalms  xvi.  8,  9.  3  isaiah  i.  2,  3. 


3(;4-;592.]  CYNEVVULF'S    ELENE.  13 


V. 

"  Lo  !  tUAt  we  heard  through  holy  books, 

That  the  Lord  to  you  gave  blameless  glory,  365 

The  IVIaker,  mights'  Speed,  to  Moses  said 

How  the  Kiug  of  heaven  ye  should  obey, 

His  teaching  perform.     Of  that  ye  soon  wearied, 

And  counter  to  right  ye  had  contended ; 

Ye  shunned  the  bright  Creator  of  all,  370 

The  Lord  [of  Lords],'  and  followed  error 

'Gainst  right  of  God.     Now  quickly  go 

And  find  ye  still  who  writings  of  old 

Through  craft  of  wit  the  best  may  know, 

Your  books  of  law,  that  answer  to  me  3".'") 

Through  prudent  mind  they  may  return." 

Went  then  with  a  crowd  depressed  in  mind 

The  proud  in  heart,  as  th6m  the  queen  bade. 

Found  they  five  hundred  of  cunning  men. 

Chosen  comrades,  who  craft  of  lore  380 

Through  memory  of  mind  the  most  possessed. 

Wisdom  in  spirit.     They  back  to  the  hall 

In  little  while  again  Avere  summoned. 

Wards  of  the  city.     The  queen  them  gan 

With  words  address  (she  glanced  over  all) :  385 

"  Often  ye  silly  actions  performed. 

Accursed  wretches,  and  writings  despised, 

Lore  of  your  fathers,  ne'er  more  than  now. 

When  ye  of  your  blindness  the  Healer  rejected, 

And  ye  contended  'gainst  truth  and  right,  390 

That  in  Bethlehem  the  child  of  the  Euler, 

The  only-born  King,  incarnate  was, 

1  Gn.,  Z.,  W. 


14  CYNEWULFS    ELENE.  [393-424. 

The  Prince  of  princes.     Though  the  kiw  ye  knew, 

Words  of  the  prophets,  ye  were  not  then  willing, 

Workers  of  sin,  the  truth  to  confess."  395 

With  one  mind  then  they  answered  her : 

''  Lo  !  we  the  Hebrew  law  have  learned, 

That  in  days  of  old  our  fathers  knew, 

At  the  ark  of  God^  nor  know  we  well 

Why  thou  so  fiercely,  lady,  with  us  400 

Hast  angry  become.     We  know  not  the  wrong 

That  w6  have  done  amid  this  nation, 

Chiefest  of  crimes  '  against  thee  ever." 

Helena  said  and  'fore  the  earls  spake 

Without  concealment ;  the  lady  proclaimed  405 

Aloud  'fore  the  hosts  :  "  Now  go  ye  quickly, 

Seek  out  apart  who  wisdom  with  you 

Might  and  mindcraft  the  most  may  have, 

That  each  of  the  things  they  boldly  may  tell  me, 

Without  delay,  that  I  from  them  seek."  41(» 

Went  they  then  from  the  council  as  the  mighty  queen, 

Bold  in  the  palace,  them  had  commanded, 

Sorry-in-mind  eagerly  searched  they. 

With  cunning  sought,  what  were  the  sin 

That  they  in  the  folk  might  have  committed  '         415 

Against  the  Caesar,  for  which  the  queen  blames  them. 

Then  there  'fore  the  earls  6ne  them  addressed. 

Cunning  in  songs  (his  name  was  Judas), 

Crafty  in  word :  "  I  surely  know. 

That  she  will  seek  of  the  victor-tree  420 

On  which  once  suffered  the  E,uler  of  nations 

Free  from  all  faults,  own  Son  of  God, 

Whom  though  guiltless  -  of  every  sin 

Through  hatred  hanged  upon  the  high  tree 

1  So  W.  '  Wrongs  have  committed,'  (im.,  (in.  ;uiil  Z.  [?]         '^  W. 


425-453.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  15 

In  days  of  old  oiir  own  fathers.  425 

That  was  terrible  thought.     There  is  now  great  need 

That  we  with  firmness  strengthen  our  minds, 

That  we  of  this  murder  become  not  informers, 

Where  the  holy  tree  was  hidden  away 

After  the  war-storm,  lest  mdy  be  rejected  430 

The  wise  old  writings  and  6t  our  fathers 

The  lore  be  lost.     Not  long  will  it  be  ^ 

That  of  Israelites  the  noble  race 

Over  the  mid-earth  may  reign  any  more. 

The  law-craft  of  earls,  if  this  be  revealed :.  435 

That  same  long  ago  mine  elder  father 

Victory-famed  said  (his  name  was  Zaccha^us), 

The  wise  old  man,  to  mine  own  father, 

[Who  afterwards  made  it  known  to  his,  Gn.]  ^  son, 

(He  went  from  this  world),  and  spake  this  word :  440 

'  If  to  th^e  that  happen  in  the  days  of  thy  life, 

That  thou  may'st  hear  of  that  holy  tree 

W^ise  men  inquire  and  questionings  raise 

Of  that  victor-wood  on  which  the  true  King 

W^as  hanged  on  high,  Guardian  of  heaven,  445 

Child  of  all  peace,  then  quickly  declare  it, 

Mine  own  dear  son,  ere  death  thee  remove. 

Ne'er  may  after  that  the  folk  of  the  Hebrews, 

The  wise  in  counsel,  their  kingdom  hold, 

Eule  over  men,  but  their  fame  shall  live  450 

And  their  dominion  [be  glorified  ever,  Gn.],- 

To  world  of  worlds  with  joy  be  filled. 

Who  the  King  that  was  hanged  honor  and  praise.' 


'■  Add  '  after  that.'  2  Lacuna  in  MS.,  emended  by  Gn. 


16  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [454-481. 


VI. 

"  Then  quickly  I  to  mine  own  father, 

The  old  law-sage,  answer  retvirned :  455 

'  How  might  that  happen  on  kingdom  of  earth 

That  they  on  the  holy  their  hands  shoidd  lay 

For  reaving  of  life,  our  own  fathers, 

Through  hostile  mind,  if  they  ere  knew 

That  he  were  Christ,  the  King  in  heaven,  460 

True  son  of  Creator,  Saviour  of  souls.' 

Then  to  m6  mine  elder  answer  returned, 

Wise  in  his. mind  my  father  replied: 

'  Perceive,  young  man,  the  might  of  God, 

The  name  of  the  Saviour.     That  is  to  each  man  465 

Unutterable.     Him  may  no  one 

Upon  this  earth  [ever]  find  out. 

Never  that  plan  that  this  people  framed 

Was  I  willing  to  follow,  but  I  always  myself 

Held  aloof  from  their  crimes,  by  no  means  wrought 

shame  470 

To  mine  own  spirit.     To  them  earnestly  often 
On  account  of  their  wrong  I  made  opposition. 
When  the  learned-in-lore  counsel  were  taking. 
Were  seeking  in  soul  how  the  Son  of  their  Maker, 
Men's  Helm,^  they  might  hang,  the  Lord  of  all,  475 

Both  angels  and  men,  noblest  of  children. 
They  might  not  so  foolish  death  fasten  on  him, 
Miserable  men,  as  they  ere  weened, 
AiSict  with  pains,  though  he  for  a  time 
Upon  the  cross  his  spirit  gave  up,  480 

Victor-child  of  God.     Then  afterwards  was 

1  i.e., '  defence,  protector.' 


482-515.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  17 

Eaised  from  the  rood  the  Ruler  of  heavens, 

Glory  of  all  glories,  three  nights  after 

Within  the  tomb  was  he  abiding 

Under  the  darkness,  and  then  on  third  day,  485 

Light  of  all  light,  he  living  arose. 

Prince  of  angels,  and  he  to  his  thanes, 

True  Lord  of  victories,  himself  revealed, 

Bright  in  his  fame.     Then  did  thy  brother 

In  time  receive  the  bath  of  baptism,  490 

Enlightening  belief.     For  love  of  the  Lord 

Was  Stephen  then  with  stones  assailed, 

Nor  ill  gave  for  ill,  but  for  foes  of  old 

Patient  implored,  prayed  King  of  glory 

That  he  the  woe-deed  would  not  lay  to  their  charge,         495 

In  thdt  through  hate  the  innocent  One, 

Guiltless  of  sins,  by  the  teachings  of  Saul 

They  robbed  of  life,  as  he  through  enmity 

To  misery  many  of  the  folk  of  Christ 

Condemned,  to  death.     Yet  later  the  Lord  500 

Mercy  him  showed,  that  to  many  became  he 

Of  people  for  comfort,  when  the  God  of  creation. 

Saviour  of  men,  had  changed  his  name. 

And  afterwards  he  the  holy  Paul 

Was  called  by  name,  and  no  one  than  he  505 

Of  teachers  of  faith,  [no]  other,  was  better 

'Neath  roof  of  heaven  afterwards  ever 

Of  those  man  or  woman  brought  into  the  world, 

Although  he  Stephen  with  stones  them  bade 

Slay  on  the  moimtain,  thine  own  brother.  510 

Now  may'st  thou  hear,  mine  own  dear  son. 

How  gracious  is  the  Ruler  of  all, 

Though  we  transgression  'gainst  him  oft  commit, 

The  wound  of  sins,  if  we  soon  after 

Por  those  misdeeds  repentance  work  515 


18  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [516-546. 

And  from  unrighteousness  afterwards  cease. 

Therefore  I  truly,  and  my  dear  father, 

After  believed  [in  the  Giver  of  life,  Gn.], 

That  he  had  suffered,  God  of  all  glories, 

Leader  of  life,  painful  penalty  520 

For  mighty  need  of  the  race  of  men. 

Therefore  I  teach  thee  through  secret  of  song, 

My  dearest  child,  that  scornful  words, 

Hatred  or  blasphemy,  never  thou  work, 

Fierce  contradiction  'gainst  the  Son  of  God.  525 

Then  wilt  thou  merit  that  thee  life  eternal. 

Best  of  rewards,  shall  be  given  in  heaven.' 

Thus  mine  own  father  in  days  of  old 

Me  unwaxen  with  words  did  teach, 

Instruct  with  true  speech  (his  name  was  Simon),  530 

Man  wise  in  words.     Now  well  do  ye  know 

What  of  that  in  your  thought  may  seem  to  you  best 

Plainly  to  tell,  if  us  this  queen 

Shall  ask  of  that  tree,  now  mine  own  mind 

And  thought  of  heart  ye  [well]  do  know."  535 

Him  then  in  reply  the  cleverest  of  all 

In  the  crowd  of  men  with  words  addressed : 

"  Ne'er  did  we  hear  any  of  men 

Among  this  folk  save  thee  just  now, 

Another  thane,  declare  in  this  manner  540 

Of  so  secret  event.     Do  as  [best]  seems  thee, 

Thou  wise  in  old  lore,  if  thou  be  questioned 

'Mong  the  host  of  men.     Of  wisdom  has  need, 

Of  wary  words  and  sage's  cunning. 

Who  shall  to  the  noble  one  answer  return  545 

Before  such  a  host  among  the  assembly." 


547-577.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  19 


VII. 

Words  waxed  in  speech  ;  men  counsel  took 

On  every  side ;  some  hither,  some  thither, 

Considered  and  thouglit.     Then  came  many  thanes 

To  the  people's  assembly.     The  heralds  called,  550 

The  Caesar's  criers  :  "  This  queen  you  invites, 

Men,  to  the  hall,  that  the  council-decisions 

Ye  rightly  may  tell.     Of  rede  have  ye  need 

In  the  place  of  assembly,  of  wisdom  of  mind." 

Ready  they  were,  the  sad-in-mind  555 

People's  protectors,  wh^n  they  were  summoned 

Through  stern  command ;  to  court  they  Avent 

Craft's  might  to  tell.     Then  gan  the  queen 

The  Hebrew  men  in  words  address, 

Ask  the  life-weary  of  writings  of  old,  560 

How  ere  in  the  world  the  prophets  sang, 

Men  holy  in  spirit,  of  the  Son  of  God, 

Where  the  Prince  [of  the  people]  his  sufferings  bore, 

True  son  of  Creator,  for  love  of  souls. 

Stubborn  they  were,  harder  than  stone,  565 

Would  not  that  secret  rightly  make  known 

Nor  answer  to  her  any  would  tell, 

Anger-provokers,  of  what  she  sought, 

But  they  of  each  word  made  a  denial. 

Firm  in  their  minds,  of  what  she  gan  ask,  670 

Said  that  in  life  they  any  such  thing 

Nor  ere  nor  since  ever  had  heard  of. 

Helena  spake  and  angrily  said : 

"  i  [now]  in  truth  to  you  will  sa}",  — 

And  of  this  in  your  life  there  shall  be  no  deception,  —       575 

If  ye  in  this  falseness  longer  continue 

With  treacherous  lying,  who  stand  here  before  me, 


20  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [578-605. 

That  you  on  the  mountain  bale-fire  shall  take, 

Hottest  of  war-waves,  and  your  corpses  consume, 

The  lambent  flame,  so  for  yod  shall  that  lie  580 

To  leaving  of  life  [surely]  be  turned. 

Ye  may  not  prove  that  word,  which  ye  just  now  in 

wrong 
Concealed  'neath  heaps  ^  of  sins.     ISTor  may  ye  hide 

that  fate, 
Obscure  its  deepest  might."      In  thought  of   death 

they  were 
Of  pyre  and  life's  end,  and  delivered  then  one  .  585 

Well-skilled  in  songs  (to  him  the  name  Judas 
Was  given  'fore  kinsmen) ;  —  him  they  gave  to  the 

queen, 
Said  of  him  very  wise :   "  He  may  truth  to  thee  tell, 
Fate's  secrets  reveal,  as  thou  askest  in  words. 
The  law  from  beginning  forth  to  the  end.  590 

He  is  before  earth  of  noble  race, 
Wise  in  word-craft  and  son  of  a  prophet, 
Bold  in  council.     To  him  'tis  inborn 
That  he  the  answers  clever  may  have. 

Knowledge  in  heart.     He  to  th^e  shall  declare  595 

'Fore  the  crowd  of  men  the  gift  of  wisdom 
Through  mickle  might,  as  thy  mind  desires." 
In  peace  she  permitted  each  one  to  seek 
His  own  [dear]  home,  and  him  alone  took, 
Judas,  as  hostage,  and  earnestly  prayed  600 

That  he  of  the  rood  would  rightly  teach. 
Which  of  old  in  its  bed  was  long  concealed. 
And  she  himself  apart  to  her  called. 
Helena  spake  to  him  alone. 
Glory-rich  queen :  "  For  thee  two  are  ready,  605 

1  Lit.,  '  under  the  lap  (or  bosom)  of  sins.' 


606-630.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  21 

Or  life  or  death,  as  liefer  shall  be 

To  thee  to  choose.     Now  quickly  declare 

To  which  of  the  two  thou  wilt  agree." 

Judas  to  her  spake  agaiu  (he  might  not  the  sorrow 

avoid, 
Avert  the  ire  of  the  empress.^     In  the  power  of  the 

queen  was  he)  :  610 

"  How  may  him  befall  who  out  on  the  waste, 
Tired  and  foodless,  treads  the  moorland, 
Oppressed  with  hunger,  and  bread  and  stone 
Both  in  his  sight  together^  shall  be. 

The  hard  and  the  soft,  that  he  take  the  stone  615 

For  hunger's  defence,  care  n6t  for  the  bread, 
Keturn  to  want  and  reject  the  food. 
Renounce  the  better,  if  both  he  enjoys  ?  " 


VIII. 

To  him  then  the  blessed  answer  returned, 

Helena  'fore  earls  without  concealment :  620 

"  If  thou  in  heaven  wiliest  to  have 

Dwelling  with  angels  and  life  on  earth, 

Eeward  in  the  skies,  tell  me  quickly 

Where  rests  the  rood  of  the  King  of  heaven 

Holy  'neath  earth,  which  y^  now  long  625 

Through  sin  of  murder  from  men  have  concealed." 

Judas  replied  (his  mind  was  sad, 

Heat  in  his  heart  and  woe  for  both, 

Whether  hope  of  heaven  with  [all]  his  soul 

He  should  renounce,  along  with  his  present  630 

1  MS.  rex  (Latin?),  Z.;  '  oppression  of  care  '  (cearces),  Gn. ;  '  of  hunger  ' 
(ceaces) , Gra. ;  'of  smoke'  (?-eces), Schubert;  rex  =  cyninfjes,  Sieversand  W. 

2Z. 


22  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [631-662. 

Kingdom  'neath  skies,  or  show  tlie  rood)  : 

"  How  may  I  that  find  that  long  ago  happened 

In  course  of  winters  ?     Now  many  are  gone, 

Two  hundred  or  more,  reckoned  by  number ; 

I  may  not  recount,  now  the  number  I  know  not.  635 

Now  many  have  since  departed  this  life, 

Of  wise  and  good  who  w6re  before  us, 

Of  clever  men.     In  youth  was  I 

In  later  days  afterwards  born, 

A  child  in  years.     I  cannot  what  I  know  not  640 

Find  in  my  heart  that  so  long  ago  happened." 

Helena  spake  to  him  in  answer : 

"  How  has  it  happened  among  this  people, 

That  ye  so  much  in  mind  retain, 

Each  one  of  all  signs,  just  as  the  Trojans  645 

In  fight  effected  ?     'Twas  greater  terror,^ 

Well-known  old  war,  than  this  noble  event. 

In  course  of  years.     Ye  th4t  can  well 

Quickly  recount,  how  many  there  were 

In  number  of  men  in  that  murderous  fight  650 

Of  throwers-with-darts  fallen  in  death 

Under  the  shield-hedge.     Ye  have  the  graves 

Under  the  stone-slopes,  and  likewise  the  places 

And  the  number  of  winters  in  writings  set  down." 

Judas  replied  (great  sorrow  he  bore)  :  655 

"  That  work  of  war,  we,  lady  mine, 

Through  direful  need  remember  well, 

And  that  tumult  of  war  in  writing  set  down, 

The  bearing  of  nations,  but  this  one  never 

By  dny  mdn's  mouth  have  we  heard  660 

Made  known  to  men  except  here  now." 

The  noble  queen  gave  answer  to  him : 

1  Or,  'war,'  Gn.;  'further  off,'  Gra. 


663-696.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  23 

"  Thou  resistest  too  much  both  truth  and  right 

Of  the  tree  of  life,  and  now  little  before 

Thou  truly  said'st  of  that  victor-tree  665 

To  thine  own  people,  and  now  turn'st  to  a  lie." 

To  her  Judas  said  that  he  spake  that  in  sorrow 

And  doubt  extreme,  worse  evil  expected. 

Him  quickly  answered  the  Caesar's  mother  : 

"  Lo  !  that  have  we  heard  through  holy  books  670 

Made  known  to  men  that  there  was  hanged 

On  Calvary  the  King's  free  child, 

God's  Spirit-son.     Thou  fully  shalt 

Wisdom  reveal,  as  writings  tell, 

About  the  plain,  where  the  place  may  be,  675 

That  Calvary,  ere  misery  take  thee, 

Death  for  thy  sins,  that  I  afterwards  may 

Purify  it  at  the  will  of  Christ, 

For  help  to  men,  that  holy  God, 

Almighty  Lord,  the  thought  of  my  heart  680 

My  wish  may  fulfil,  men's  Giver  of  glory, 

Helper  of  souls."     Her  Judas  answered. 

Stubborn  in  mind  :  "  I  know  not  the  place 

Xor  aught  of  the  plain,  nor  the  thing  do  I  know." 

Helena  spake  with  angry  mind :  685 

"  This  do  I  swear  through  the  Son  of  the  ^laker 

The  hanged  God,  that  with  hunger  thou  shalt 

Before  thy  kinsmen  be  put  to  death. 

Unless  thou  forsake  these  lying  tales 

And  plainly  to  me  the  truth  make  known."  690 

Then  bade  she  with  band  him  lead  alive. 

The  guilty  one  cast  (the  servants  delayed  not) 

Int6  a  dry  pit,  where  robbed  of  joy, 

He  lingered  in  sorrows  seven  nights'  time 

Within  the  prison  oppressed  with  hunger,  695 

Fastened  with  fetters,  and  then  gan  he  call, 


24  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [697-725. 

Weakened  by  pains,  on  the  sev(nitli  day, 

Tired  and  foodless  (his  strength  was  exhausted)  : 

"  I  you  beseech  through  heaven's  God, 

That  me  from  these  sufferings  ye  may  release,  700 

Humbled  by  hunger.     Of  that  holy  tree 

Shall  I  willingly  tell,  now  longer  I  may  not 

For  hunger  conceal  it.     This  bond  is  too  strong, 

Distress  too  severe,  and  this  misery  too  hard 

In  number  of  days.     I  may  not  endure  it,  705 

Nor  longer  conceal  of  the  tree  of  life. 

Though  with  folly  before  I  was  thoroughly  filled, 

And  the  truth  too  late  I  myself  have  perceived." 

IX. 

When  she  that  heard,  who  men  there  ordered. 

The  man's  behavior,  she  quickly  commanded  710 

That  him  from  confinement  and  out  of  his  dungeon. 

From  the  narrow  abode,  they  sh6uld  release. 

They  hastily  thdt  did  soon  perform 

And  him  with  honor  then  led  they  up 

From  out  of  the  prison  as  them  the  queen  bade.  715 

Stepped  they  then  to  the  place,  the  firm-in-mind, 

Upon  the  hill  on  which  the  Lord 

Before  was  hanged,  heaven-kingdom's  Ward, 

God's  child,  on  the  cross,  and  yet  knew  he  not  well, 

Weakened  by  hunger,  where  the  holy  rood  720 

Through  cunning  of  foe  ^  enclosed  in  earth,  721-2 

Long  firm  in  its  bed  concealed  from  men. 

Remained  in  its  grave.     Now  raised  he  his  voice, 

Unmindful  ^  of  might,  and  in  HebreAv  he  spake  :  725 

1  No  lacuna  in  MS.    Gn.i  insei'ted  one  line,  but  Gn.  -  one  word  (feonda), 
which  W.  prefers.    Text  as  Z.  (feondes),  which  Sievers  approves. 

2  '  Mindful,'  Gm.  and  Gn.;  '  suffering,'  Z.  [?]. 


726-759.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  25 

"  Saviour  Lord,  thou  hast  power  of  rule, 

And  thou  didst  create  through  the  might  of  thy  glory 

Heaven  and  earth  and  the  boisterous  sea, 

The  ocean's  wide  bosom,  all  creatures  alike, 

And  thou  didst  measure  with  thine  own  hands  730 

All  the  globe  of  the  earth  and  the  heaven  above, 

And  thou  thyself  sittest,  Wielder  of  victories, 

Above  the  noblest  order  of  angels. 

That  fly  through  the  air  encircled  with  light, 

Great  might  of  glory.     There  mankind  may  not  735 

From  the  paths  of  earth  ascend  on  high 

In  bodily  form  with  thdt  bright  host, 

Heralds  of  glory.     These  wrouglitest  thou, 

And  for  thine  own  service  th6m  didst  thou  set, 

Holy  and  heavenly.     Of  these  in  the  choir  740 

In  joy  eternal  six  are  named. 

Who  are  surrounded  with  six  wings  apiece, 

[With  them  are]  adorned,  [and]  fair  they  shine. 

Of  these  are  four  who  ever  in  flight 

The  service  of  glory  attend  upon  745 

Before  the  face  of  the  Judge  eternal. 

Continually  sing  in  glory  the  praise. 

With  clearest  voices,  of  the  King  of  heaven. 

Most  beauteous  of  songs,  and  say  these  words 

With  voices  pm-e  (their  name  Cherubim)  :  750 

'  Holy  is  the  holy  God  of  archangels, 

Elder  of  hosts.     Full  of  his  glory 

Are  heaven  and  earth  and  all  the  high  powers 

With  glovj  distinguished.'    There  are  two  among  these, 

Victor-race  in  heaven,  who  Seraphim  755 

By  name  are  called.     They  sh411  Paradise 

And  the  tree  of  life  with  flaming  sword 

Holy  maintain.     The  hard-edged  trembles. 

The  etched  brand  wavers,  and  changes  its  form, 


26  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [760-791. 

Firm  in  their  grips.     Tlidt/  0  Lord  God,  760 

Ever  thou  wieldest,  and  thou  the  sinful, 

Guilt-working  foes  out  of  the  heavens, 

The  foolish,  didst  cast.     The  accursed  host  then 

Under  dwellings  of  darkness  was  forced  to  fall 

To  perdition  of  hell.     There  now  in  the  welling  765 

Endure  they  death-pain  in  the  dragon's  embrace, 

Enclosed  in  darkness.     [Thee]  he  resisted, 

Thy  princely  rule ;  therefore  in  misery. 

Full  ^  of  all  foulness,  he  guilty  shall  suffer, 

Slavery  endure.     There  may  he  not  770 

Thy  word  reject :  he  is  fast  in  torments, 

The  author  of  sin,  in  misery  bound. 

If  thy  will  it  be.  Ruler  of  angel.^. 

That  he  may  reign  who  was  on  the  rood. 

And  who  through  Mary  upon  the  mid-earth  775 

Incarnate  became  in  form  of  a  child, 

Prince  of  the  angels  (if  he  had  not  been 

Thy  Son  free  from  sin,  never  so  many 

True  wonders  in  world  would  h6  have  wrought 

In  number  of  days.     Thou  wouldst  not  from  death  780 

So  gloriously  him.  Ruler  of  nations. 

Have  awaked  'fore  the  hosts,  if  h6  in  glory 

Through  the  bright  [maid]  were  not  thy  Son),  — 

Now,  Father  of  angels,  send  forth  thy  sign. 

As  thou  didst  hear  the  holy  man,  785 

Moses,  in  prayer,  when  thou,  God  of  might. 

Didst  show  to  the  earl  at  the  noble  time 

Under  the  hill-slope  the  bones  of  Joseph, 

So,  Ruler  of  hosts,  if  it  be  thy  will, 

Through  that  bright  form  I'll  pray  to  thee  790 

That  to  me  the  gold-hoard.  Maker  of  spirits, 

1  Referring  to  tlie  sword.  ^  Gn.,  or  '  foul,'  Z, 


792-821.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  27 

Thou  wilt  reveal,  that  has  been  from  men 

[So]  long  concealed.     Let,  Author  of  life, 

Now  from  this  plain  a  winsome  smoke 

'Neath  heaven's  expanse  mount  up  on  high  795 

Playing  in  the  air.     I'll  the  better  believe, 

And  I'll  the  more  firmly  stablish  my  mind, 

Undoubting  trust,  upon  the  hanged  Christ, 

That  h6  be  in  truth  the  Saviour  of  souls, 

Eternal,  Almighty,  Israel's  King,  800 

Forever  may  have  glory  in  heaven, 

Rule  without  end  the  dwellings  eternal." 


X. 

Then  out  of  that  place  a  vapor  arose 

Like  smoke  'neatli  the  heavens.     Th^re  was  rejoiced 

The  mind  of  the  man.     With  both  his  hands,  805 

Happy  and  Mw-clever,  upward  he  clapped. 

Judas  exclaimed,  clever  in  thought : 

"Now  I  in  truth  myself  have  known 

In  my  hardened  heart  that  thou  art  the  Saviour 

Of  [this]  mid-earth.     To  thee,  God  of  might,  810 

Sitting  in  glory,  be  thanks  without  end. 

That  to  me  so  sad  and  so  full  of  sin 

Thou  revealed'st  in  glory  the  secrets  of  fate. 

Now,  Son  of  God,  to  thee  will  I  pray, 

Will-giver  of  peoples,  now  I  know  that  thou  art  815 

Declared  and  born  of  all  kings  the  Glory, 

That  thou  no  longer  be  of  my  sins, 

Those  which  I  committed  by  no  means  seldom, 

O  Maker,  mindful.     Let  m^,  God  of  might. 

Amid  the  number  of  thine  own  kingdom  820 

With  the  army  of  saints  my  dwelling  have 


28  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [822-853. 

In  that  bright  city,  where  is  my  brother 

Honored  in  glory,  for  that  faith  with  thee 

He,  Stephen,  kept,  though  with  handfuls  of  stones 

He  was  pelted  to  death.     War's  meed  he  has,  825 

Fame  without  end.     There  are  in  books 

The  wonders  he  wrought,  in  writings,  made  known." 

Then  gan  he  glad  for  the  tree  of  glory. 

Constant  in  zeal,  delve  in  the  earth 

Beneath  the  turf,  so  thdt  at  twenty  830 

Feet  by  measure  he  found  far  concealed, 

Down  in  the  depths  hidden  in  the  earth 

'Neath  cover  of  darkness,  —  there  found  he  three 

Of  roods  together  within  the  sad  house 

Buried  in  sand,  as  in  days  of  old  835 

The  host  of  the  wicked  covered  with  earth, 

The  folk  of  the  Jews.     'G-ainst  the  child  of  God 

Hatred  they  raised,  although  they  should  not. 

If  the  lore  they'd  not  heard  of  the  father  of  lies. 

Then  wds  his  mind  greatly  rejoiced,  840 

His  heart  was  strengthened  by  that  holy  tree. 

His  spirit  inspired,  when  the  beacon  he  saw 

Holy  'neath  earth.     With  his  hands  he  clasped 

The  cross  ^  of  glory,  and  it  raised  'mid  the  crowd 

From  its  grave  in  the  earth.     The  guests  on  foot,  845 

The  sethelings,  went  on  into  the  city. 

They  set  there  in  sight  three  victor-trees 

The  firm-minded  earls  'fore  Helena's  feet,^ 

Courageous  in  heart.     The  queen  rejoiced 

In  the  depth  of  her  soul,  and  then  gan  ask  850 

On  which  of  those  trees  the  Son  of  the  Ruler, 

Joy-giver  of  heroes,  hanged  had  been. 

"  Lo  !  thdt  we  have  heard  through  holy  books 

1  Lit.,  '  joy-wood.'  2  Lit_^  <  knee.' 


854-887.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  29 

By  tokens  declared,  that  two  with  him 

[Also]  suffered,  and  himself  was  the  third  855 

On  the  tree  of  the  rood.     All  heaven  was  dark 

On  that  terrible  day.     Say,  if  thou  canst. 

On  which  of  these  three  the  Prince  of  the  angels 

Suffered  [his  doom],  the  Shepherd  of  glory." 

Her  Judas  might  not  (he  knew  not  full  well)  860 

Plainly  inform  of  the  victor-wood. 

On  which  one  the  Saviour  uplifted  had  been, 

Victor-son  of  God,  ere  he  bade  them  set 

Within  the  middle  of  that  great  city 

The  trees  with  clamor,  and  there  await  865 

Till  to  him  declared  the  Almighty  King 

The  wonder  'fore  the  folk  of  that  tree  of  glory. 

The  victor-famed  sat,  their  song  they  raised. 

The  wise  in  rede,  'round  the  three  roods 

Until  the  ninth  hour ;  new  joy  they  had  870 

With  wonder  found.     Then  came  there  a  crowd, 

No  little  folk,  and  a  man  deceased 

They  brought  on  a  bier  with  heap  of  men 

In  neighborhood  [nigh]  (ninth  hour  it  was), 

A  lifeless  youth.     Then  Judas  was  there  875 

In  thought  of  his  heart  greatly  rejoiced. 

He  bade  then  set  the  soul-less  [youth]. 

Deprived  of  life  the  corpse  on  the  earth, 

The  lifeless  one,  and  up  he  raised. 

Declarer  of  truth,  two  of  the  crosses,  880 

The  wise,  in  his  arms  o'er  that  fated  house. 

Plunged  deep  in  thought.     It  was  dead  as  before. 

Corpse  fast  on  its  bier :  the  limbs  were  cold, 

Clad  in  distress.     Then  wds  the  third 

Holy  upraised.     The  body  awaited  885 

Until  over  it  the  ^theling's  [cross], 

His  rood,  was  upraised.  Heaven-king's  tree, 


30  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [888-917. 

True  token  of  victory.     Soon  he  arose 

Eeady  in  spirit,  both  together 

Body  and  soul.     There  praise  was  uplifted  890 

Fair  'mid  the  folk.     The  Father  they  honored, 

And  also  the  true  Son  of  the  Ruler 

They  praised  in  words.     Be  glory  and  thanks 

To  Him  without  end  from  all  His  creatures. 


XL 

Then  wd,s  to  the  people  in  the  depth  of  their  souls  895 

Impressed  on  their  minds,  as  ever  shall  be, 

The  wonder  that  wrought  the  Lord  of  hosts 

For  saving  of  souls  of  the  race  of  men, 

The  Teacher  of  life.     There  the  sinner-through-lies 

Then  stied  in  the  air,  the  flying  fiend.  900 

Gan  then  exclaim  the  devil  of  hell, 

The  terrible  monster,  mindful  of  evils  : 

"  Lo  !  whdt  man  is  this,  who  now  again 

With  ancient  strife  my  service  will  ruin, 

Increase  the  old  hate,  [and]  plunder  my  goods  ?  905 

This  contest's  increasing.     The  souls  cannot, 

Workers  of  sin,  longer  within 

My  power  remain,  now  a  stranger  is  come. 

Whom  I  ere  reckoned  fast  in  his  sins. 

Me  has  he  robbed  of  every  right,  910 

Of  precious  possessions.     That's  n6t  a  fair  course. 

To  me  many  harms  the  Saviour  has  done, 

Contests  oppressive,  he  who  in  Nazareth 

Was  reared  as  a  child.     As  soon  as  he  grew 

From  childhood's  years,  he  to  him  ever  turned  915 

Mine  own  possessions.     I  may  not  now 

In  any  right  thrive.     His  kingdom  is  broad 


918-947.]  CYXEWULF'S    ELENE.  31 

Over  the  mid-earth.     ]My  might  is  lessened 

Under  the  heavens.     The  rood  I  need  not 

Joyfully  praise.     Lo  !  me  the  Saviour  920 

[n  that  narrow  home  again  has  confined 

Sadly  for  sorrow.     Through  Judas  before 

Joyful  I  was,  and  now  am  I  humbled, 

Deprived  of  goods,  through  Judas  again, 

Despised  and  friendless.     Still  can  I  find  925 

Through  evil  deeds  return  hereafter  ^ 

From  the  homes  of  the  damned.      'Gainst  thee  will  I 

rouse 
Another  king  ^  who  will  persecute  thee, 
And  he  will  reject  thine  own  instruction, 
And  sinful  manners  of  mine  will  he  follow,  930 

And  thee  will  he  send  then  into  the  blackest 
And  into  the  worst  terrors  of  torments, 
That  with  sorrow  beset  thou'lt  firmly  renounce 
The  hanged  King  whom  ere  thou  obeyed'st." 
To  him  then  the  cunning  Judas  replied,  935 

The  battle-brave  man  (in  him  Holy  Spirit 
Was  firmly  implanted,  fire-hot  his  love. 
His  wit  was  welling  with  warrior's  craft). 
And  this  word  he  spake  with  wisdom  filled : 
"  Thou  need  not  so  strongly,  mindful  of  sins,  940 

Sorrow  renew,  and  strife  uprear, 
Sin-maker  of  murder,  for  thee  mighty  King 
In  the  depths  beneath  will  thrust  thee  down, 
Worker  of  sin,  to  miseries'  bottom 

Deprived  of  glory,  who  many  of  the  dead  945 

With  his  word  awaked.     Know  thou  the  readier. 
That  thou  with  folly  didst  once  renounce 


1  So  Z. ;  '  rebellion  for  this,'  W.    See  W.'s  note. 

2  Julian  the  Apostate,  suggests  Gn. 


32  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [948-976. 

Brightest  of  lights  and  love  of  the  Lord, 

The  fairest  joy,  and  in  bath  of  fire. 

Surrounded  with  torments,  didst  afterwards  dwell,  950 

Consumed  with  flame,  and  there  ever  shalt, 

Hostile  in  mind,  punishment  suffer, 

Misery  endless."     Helena  heard 

How  the  fiend  and  the  friend  contests  aroused. 

The  blest  and  the  base,  on  both  their  sides,  955 

The  sinner  and  the  saint.    Her  mind  was  the  gladder 

For  that  she  heard  the  hellish  foe 

[The  fiend]  overcome,  the  worker  of  sins. 

And  then  she  wondered  at  the  wit  of  the  man, 

How  h6  so  truthful  in  so  little  time  960 

And  so  untaught  ever  became 

With  wisdom  inspired.     [Then]  thanked  she  God, 

The  King  of  glory,  that  her  wish  was  fulfilled 

Through  the  Son  of  God  of  each  of  the  two, 

B6th  for  the  sight  of  the  victor-tree,  965 

And  of  the  faith  that  ^  so  bright  she  perceived, 

The  glorious  gift  in  the  breast  of  the  man. 

XII. 

Th^n  was  made  known  among  that  folk, 

Throughout  that  nation  widely  proclaimed, 

The  great  morning-news  for  a  grievance  to  many  970 

Of  those  who  God's  law  wished  to  conceal, 

Announced  in  the  towns  far  as  waters  emljrace, 

In  each  of  the  cities,  that  the  rood  of  Christ 

Once  buried  in  earth  had  been  discovered, 

Brightest  of  beacons,  which  since  or  before  975 

Holy  'neath  heavens  had  been  upheaved  ; 

1  'That,'  relative,  though  it  may  be  taken  as  conjunction,  as  Z. 


977-1010.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  33 

And  it  was  to  the  Jews  tlie  greatest  of  sorrows, 

Unhappy  men,  most  hatefnl  of  fates, 

That  they  'fore  the  workl  were  unable  to  change  it, 

The  joy  of  the  Christians.     Then  bade  the  queen  980 

'Mong  the  host  of  earls  heralds  to  hasten, 

Quickly  to  journey ;  they  should  of  the  Eomans 

O'er  the  high  sea  the  lord  seek  out. 

And  to  that  warrior  the  best  of  tidings 

Say,  to  himself,  that  the  victor-sign  985 

Through  Creator's  favor  had  been  recovered, 

Found  in  the  earth,  which  ages  before 

Had  been  concealed  for  sorrow  to  saints. 

To  Christian  folk.     Then  was  to  the  king 

Through  the  glorious  words  his  sx^irit  gladdened,  990 

His  heart  rejoicing.     Then  was  of  inquirers 

'Neath  golden  garments  no  lack  in  the  cities 

Come  from  afar.     To  him  greatest  of  comforts 

It  became  in  the  world  at  the  wished-for  tidings,  — 

His  heart  delighted,  —  which  army-leaders  995 

Over  the  east-ways,  messengers,  brought  him. 

How  happy  a  journey  over  the  swan-road 

The  men  with  the  queen  successfully  made 

To  the  land  of  the  Greeks.     The  Caesar  bade  them 

With  greatest  haste  again  prepare  1000 

Themselves  for  the  way.     The  men  delayed  not 

As  soon  as  they  had  the  answer  heard, 

The  words  of  the  setheling.     Bade  he  Helena  hail. 

The  war-famed  greet,  if  they  the  sea-voyage 

And  happy  journey  were  able  to  make,  1005 

Brave-minded  men,  to  the  holy  city. 

Bade  also  to  her  the  messengers  say 

Constantinus,  that  she  a  church 

On  the  mountain-slope  for  gain  of  both 

Should  there  erect,  a  temple  of  God,  1010 


34  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [1011-1043 

On  Calvary,  for  joy  to  Christ, 

For  help  to  men,  where  the  holy  rood 

Had  b^en  discovered,  greatest  of  trees, 

Of  those  that  earth-dwellers  ever  heard  named 

Upon  the  earth.     So  she  effected,  1015 

After  dear  kinsmen  brought  from  the  west 

Over  the  ocean  many  loved  tidings. 

Then  bade  the  queen  those  skilled  in  crafts 

To  seek  out  apart,  the  best  of  all, 

Those  w^ho  most  cunningly  knew  how  to  work  1020 

In  joinings  of  stones,  on  the  open  plain 

God's  temple  to  build.     As  the  Warden  of  spirits 

Her  counselled  from  heaven,  she  bade  the  rood 

With  gold  adorn  and  gems  of  all  kinds, 

With  the  most  splendid  of  precious  stones  1025 

To  set  with  skill,  and  in  silver  chest 

To  enclose  with  locks.     There  that  tree  of  life. 

Best  of  victor-trees,  has  since  remained 

In  nature  eternal.^     There  'twill  be  ever  ready 

A  help  to  the  sick  'gainst  every  ill,  1030 

Distress  and  sorrow.     There  soon  will  they 

Through  that  holy  creation  assistance  obtain, 

A  gift  divine.     Also  Judas  received 

After  fixed  time  the  bath  of  baptism, 

And  cleansed  became,  trustful  in  Christ,  1035 

Dear  to  the  Life-warden.     His  faith  became 

Firm  in  his  heart,  when  the  Spirit  of  comfort 

Made  his  abode  in  the  breast  of  the  man, 

To  repentance  him  urged.     The  better  he  chose, 

The  joy  of  glory,  and  the  worse  he  refused,  1040 

The  service  of  idols,  and  error  rejected, 

UnlaAvful  belief.     To  him  King  -  eternal, 

The  Creator,  was  mild,  God,  Ruler  of  might. 

1  So  Z. ;  '  The  noble  wood,'  Gm.  and  Gn.  2  Latin,  rex. 


1044-1073.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  35 

XIII. 

Then  he  was  baptized  who  often  before 

The  ready  light  [had  long  rejected,  Gn.],  1045 

Inspired  was  his  sotil  for  that  better  life, 

To  glory  turned.     Fate  snrely  ordained 

That  so  full  of  faith  and  so  dear  to  God 

In  realm  of  the  world  he  should  become, 

[So]  pleasing  to  Christ.     That  known  became,  1050 

After  that  Helena  bade  them  Eusebius, 

Bishop  of  Rome,  into  council  with  her 

To  bring  for  help,  the  very  wise  [man] 

By  means  of  men,^  to  the  holy  city, 

That  he  might  ordain  to  the  sacred  office  1055 

Judas  for  the  folk  in  Jeriisal^m, 

To  be  their  bishop  within  the  city, 

Through  gift  of  the  Spirit  for  the  temple  of  God 

Chosen  with  wisdom,  and  him  Cyridcus 

Through  counsel  of  wit  she  afterwards  named  1060 

A  second  time.     The  name  was  changed 

Of  the  man  in  the  city  henceforth  for  the  better, 

For  the  law  of  the  Saviour.     Then  still  Helena's 

Mind  was  disturbed  at  the  wondrous  fate. 

Very  much  for  the  nails,  those  which  the  Saviour's         1065 

Feet  had  pierced  through  and  likewise  his  hands. 

With  which  on  the  rood  the  Ruler  of  Heaven, 

Lord  mighty,  was  fastened.     Of  these  gan  ask 

The  Christians'  queen,  Cyriacus  prayed 

That  still  for  her,  by  the  might  of  his  spirit,  1070 

For  the  wondrous  fate  the  will  he  'Id  fulfil, 

Reveal  by  his  gifts,  and  sh^  addressed 

This  word  to  the  bishop,  boldly  she  spake : 

1  So  Z. ;  '  With  pomp  of  array,'  Gn. 


36  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [1074-1104. 

"  Thou,  earls'  defence'  the  noble  tree 

Of  heavens'  King  me  rightly  didst  show,  1075 

On  Avhich  was  hanged  by  heathen  hands 

The  Helper  of  spirits,  own  Son  of  God, 

Saviour  of  men.     Still  of  the  nails 

In  thought  of  my  mind  curiosity  troubles  me. 

I  would  thou  should'st  find  those  which  yet  in  the 

earth  1080 

Deeply  buried  remain  concealed, 
Hidden  in  darkness.     My  heart  ever  sorrows. 
Sad  it  complains  and  never  will  rest. 
Ere  for  m6  He  fulfil.  Almighty  Father, 
Ruler  of  hosts,  mine  own  desire,  1085 

Saviour  of  men,  by  sight  ^  of  the  nails. 
The  Holy  from  height.     Now  quickly  do  thou 
With  all  humility,  most  excellent  man, 
Direct  thy  prayer  to  the  heavens  bright, 
To  the  Euler  of  glory,  pray  Strength  of  warriors,  1090 

That  to  thee  may  reveal  the  Almighty  King 
The  hord  'neath  the  earth,  that  hidden  still, 
Concealed  from  men,  in  secret  abides." 
Then  gan  the  holy  one  strengthen  his  heart, 
Inspired  in  his  breast  the  bishop  of  the  folk,  1095 

Glad-minded,  went  with  a  crowd  of  men 
Those  praising  God,  and  earnestly  then 
Cyriaciis  on  Calvary- 
Inclined  his  face,  his  secret  concealed  not. 
With  might  of  his  spirit  called  upon  God  1100 

With  all  humility,  prayed  Warden  of  aagels 
To  open  to  him  the  linknown  fate 
In  his  new  distress,  where  he  the  nails 
Upon  the  plain  best  need  expect. 

1  Lit., '  coming.' 


1105-1135.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  37 

Then  caiTsed  lie  the  token,  where  they  were  looking,      1105 

The  Father,  hope's  Spirit,  in  form  of  fire 

Upwards  to  rise,  where  they  most  noble 

By  means  of  men  ^  had  once  been  hidden 

With  secret  cunning,  the  nails  in  the  earth. 

Then  suddenly  came  brighter  than  sun  1110 

The  playing  flame.     The  people  saw 

To  the  giver  of  their  will  ^  the  wonder  made  known. 

When  there  out  of  darkness,  like  stars  of  heaven 

Or  gems  of  gold,  upon  the  bottom 

The  nails  from  the  narrow  bed  shining  beneath  1115 

Brilliantly  glittered.     The  p.eople  rejoiced, 

The  glad-minded  host,  spake  glory  to  God 

With  one  accord  all,  though  ere  they  were 

By  the  devil's  deceit  long  in  error, 

Estranged  from  Christ.     Thus  did  they  speak :  1120 

"  Ourselves  now  we  see  the  token  of  victory. 

True  wonder  of  God,  that  before  we  opposed 

With  lying  words.     oSTow  is  come  into  light, 

Is  revealed,  fate's  course.     May  glory  for  this 

Have  in  the  highest  heaven-kingdom's  God  !  "  1125 

Then  he  Avas  rejoiced  Avho  turned  to  repentance 

Through  the  Son  of  God,  the  people's  bishop, 

A  second  time.     He  took  the  nails, 

Disturbed  with  fear,  dnd  to  the  venerable 

Queen  did  he  bring  them.     Cyriacus  had  1130 

It  all  fulfilled  as  the  noble  one  bade  him. 

The  woman's  will.     There  was  sound  of  weeping, 

Hot  head-welling  was  poured  o'er  her  cheeks, 

By  no  means  for  sorrow.     The  tears  were  falling 

O'er  the  plaiting  of  wires.^    With  glory  fulfilled  1135 


1  Same  expression  as  in  1054.  2  Ljt.^  <  will-giver,'  i.e.,  the  queen. 

3  i.e.,  her  ornaments  of  gold. 


38  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [1136-1166. 

Was  the  wish  of  the  queen.     She  knelt  on  her  knees 

With  bright  belief ;  she  honored  the  gift, 

Rejoicing  with  joy,  which  wds  to  her  brought 

For  help  in  her  sorrows.     Then  thanked  she  God, 

The  Lord  of  victories,  that  the  truth  she  had  learnt       1140 

At  that  present  time,  that  oft  was  announced 

So  long  before  from  creation  of  the  world 

For  comfort  to  the  people.     Sh6  was  inspired 

With  the  gift  of  wisdom,  and  his  dwelling  held 

Holy  Spirit  of  heaven,  guarded  her  breast,  1145 

Her  noble  heart.     So  her  the  Almighty 

Victor-son  of  God  after  protected. 

XIV. 

Then  eagerly  gan  she  with  secrets  of  soul 

Seek  in  her  spirit  by  soothfastn^ss 

The  way  to  glory.     Now  God  of  hosts  1150 

His  help  bestowed,  the  Father  in  heaven, 

Almighty  King,  that  the  queen  obtained 

Her  will  in  the  world.     The  prophecy  was 

By  sages  of  old  sung  long  before 

All  from  beginning,  as  it  afterwards  happened  1155 

In  respect  to  each  thing.     The  folk-queen  began 

Through  gift  of  the  Spirit  gladly  to  seek 

With  greatest  care  how  best  the  nails. 

And  in  manner  most  worthy,  she  might  apply 

For  joy  to  the  folk,  what  was  will  of  the  Lord.  1160 

Bade  she  then  fetch  a  very  wise  man 

Quickly  to  counsel,  him  who  wisdom 

Through  clever  might  thoroughly  knew, 

Wise  in  his  heart,  and  gan  him  ask 

What  in  his  soul  seemed  to  him  best  1165 

To  do  about  that,  and  his  teachings  she  chose 


11G7-119S.J  CYXEWULF'S    ELEXE.  39 

In  respect  to  her  conduct.    Her  boldly  ^  he  answered : 

"  That  is  becoming  that  word  of  the  Lord 

Thou  hold  in  heart,  holy  counsel, 

Most  excellent  queen,  and  the  King's  command  1170 

Gladly  fulfil,  now  God  has  thee  given 

Success  of  soul  and  craft  of  wit, 

The  Saviour  of  men.     Bid  thou  these  nails 

For  that  most  excellent  of  earthly  kings, 

Of  owners  of  cities,  put  on  his  bridle  1175 

For  bit  to  his  horse.     To  many  that  shall. 

Throughout  the  mid-earth,  become  renowned. 

When  with  that  in  contest  he  may  overcome 

Each  one  of  his  foes,  when  the  brave-in-war 

On  either  side  the  battle  seek,  1180 

SAvord-contenders,  where  they  strive  for  victory, 

Foe  against  foe.     War-speed  shall  he  have. 

Victory  in  fight  and  everyAvhere  peace. 

In  battle  success,  who  carries  in  front 

The  bridle  on  horse,  when  the  famed-in-fight  118o 

At  clashing  of  spears,  the  choicest  of  men, 

Bear  shield  and  lance.     To  each  one  of  men 

Against  war-terror  shall  be  invincible 

This  weapon  in  war.     The  seer  of  it  sang, 

Cujining  in  thought.     Deep  moved  his  mind,  1190 

His  wit  of  wisdom.     This  word  he  spake : 

'  That  shall  be  known  that  the  horse  of  the  king 

Shall  'neath  the  proud  with  bit  be  adorned, 

With  bridle-rings.     That  beacon  to  God 

Shall  holy  be  called,  and  that  one  valor-blessed,  1195 

Honored  in  war,  who  rides  on  that  horse.' " 

With  haste  then  that  did  all  perform 

Helena  'fore  earls,  bade  the  setheling's, 

1  Gn.'s  emendation. 


40  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  [1199-1232. 

Heroes'  ring-giver's,  bridle  adorn, 

To  her  own  son  sent  as  a  present  1200 

O'er  ocean's  stream  the  blameless  gift. 

She  bade  then  together  those  whom  as  best 

Of  men  she  knew  among  the  JeAvs, 

Of  the  race  of  heroes,  to  the  holy  city, 

To  the  town  to  come.     Then  gan  the  queen  1205 

The  dear  ones  teach  that  love  of  the  Lord 

And  peace  likewise  among  themselves, 

The  bond  of  friendship,  they  fast  should  hold 

Without  reproach  in  time  of  their  life. 

And  they  to  the  teacher's  lore  should  hearken,  1210 

The  Christian  virtues  that  Cyriacus  taught  them, 

Clever  in  books.     Tlie  office  of  bisliop 

Was  fairly  made  fast.     From  afar  oft  to  liim 

The  lame,  the  sick,  tlie  crippled  came. 

The  halt,  the  wounded,  the  leprous  and  blind,  1215 

The  lowly,  the  sad ;  always  there  health 

At  the  hands  of  the  bishop,  healing,  they  found 

Ever  for  ever.     Yet  Helena  gave  him 

Treasures  as  presents,  Avhen  ready  she  was 

For  the  journey  home,  and  bade  she  then  all  1220 

In  that  kingdom  of  men  who  worshipped  God, 

Men  and  women,  that  they  should  honor 

With  mind  and  might  that  famous  day, 

With  thoughts  of  the  heart,  whereon  holy  rood 

Had  b^en  discovered,  greatest  of  trees,  1225 

Of  those  which  from  earth  ever  sprang  up 

GroAvn  under  leaves.     Then  spring  was  gone 

Except  six  nights  ere  coming  of  summer 

On  the  kalends  of  May.     To  each  of  those  men 

Be  hell's  door  shut,  heaven's  unclosed,  1230 

Eternally  opened  the  kingdom  of  angels, 

Joy  without  end,  and  their  portion  appointed 


1233-1260.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  41 

Along  with  Mary,  who  takes  into  mind 

That  one  most  dear  of  festal  days 

Of  that  rood  under  heaven,  that  which  the  mightiest     1235 

Euler  of  all  with  arm  protected.     Finit} 

XV. 

Thus  old  and  death-ready  in  this  frail  house 

Word-craft  I  wove  and  wondrously  framed  it, 

Eeflected  at  times  and  sifted  my  thought 

Closely  at  night.     I  knew  not  well  1240 

The  truth  of  the  rood,^  ere  wider  knowledge 

Through  glorious  might  into  thought  of  my  mind 

Wisdom  revealed  to  me.     I  was  stained  with  crimes, 

Fettered  with  sins,  j)ained  with  sorrows, 

Bitterly  bound,  banefully  vexed,  1245 

Ere  lore  to  me  lent  through  light-bringing  office 

For  help  to  the  ag^d,  his  blameless  gift 

The  mighty  King  meted,  and  poured  in  my  mind, 

Brightness  disclosed,  widened  with  time. 

Bone-house  unbound,  breast-lock  unwound,  1250 

Song-craft  unlocked,  which  I  joyfully  used, 

With  will,  in  the  world.     Of  that  tree  of  glory 

Often  not  once  meditation  I  had. 

Ere  that  wonder  I  had  revealed 

About  that  bright  tree,  as  in  books  I  foimd  1255 

In  course  of  events,  in  writings  declared 

Of  that  beacon  of  victory.    Ay  till  then  was  the  man 

With  care-waves  oppressed,  a  flickering  2^ine-torch  [c], 

Though  he  in  the  mead-hall  treasures  received, 

Apples  of  gold.^     Mourned  for  his  boiv  [t]  1260 

1  Here  properly  ends  the  legend  of  the  Finding  of  the  Cross.    The  last 
canto  contains  reflections  of  the  poet. 

2  Gn.'s  emendation.  ^  Lit.,  '  appled  gold.' 


42  CYNEWULF'S    ELEME.  [1261-1291. 

The  comrade  of  sorroiv  [x],  suffered  distress, 

His  secret  constrained,  where  before  him  the  horse  [e] 

Measured  the  mile-paths,  with  spirit  ran 

Proud  of  his  ornaments.     Hojje  [w]  is  decreased, 

Joy,  after  years,  youth  is  departed,  1265 

The  ancient  pride.     The  bison  [u]  was  once 

The  gladness  of  yovith.     Now  are  the  old  days 

In  course  of  time  gone  forever. 

Life-joy  departed,  as  ocean  [l]  flows  by, 

Waves  hurried  along.     To  each  one  is  wealth  ^  [f]  1270 

Fleeting  'neath  heaven,  treasures  of  earth 

Pass  'neath  the  clouds  likest  to  wind, 

When  before  men  it  mounts  up  aloud, 

Eoams  'round  the  clouds,  raging  rushes, 

And  then  all  at  once  silent  becomes,  1275 

In  narrow  prison  closely  confined. 

Strongly  repressed.     So  passes  this  world. 

And  likewise  besides  what  things  ^  have  been 

In  it  produced  flame  will  consume. 

When  the  Lord  himself  judgment  will  seek  1280 

With  host  of  angels.     Every  one  there 

Of  speech-bearing  men  the  truth  shall  hear 

Of  every  deed  through  mouth  of  the  Judge, 

And  likewise  of  words  the  penalty  pay 

Of  all  that  with  folly  were  spoken  before,  1285 

Of  daring  thoughts.     Then  parts  into  three 

Into  clutch  of  fire  each  one  of  folk, 

Of  those  that  have  dwelt  in  course  of  time 

Upon  the  broad  earth.     The  righteous  shall  be 

Upmost  in  flame,  host  of  the  blessed,  1290 

Crowd  eager  for  glory,  as  they  may  bear  it, 

1  The  words  in  italics  are  the  names  of  the  runes  that  make  up  the 
name  Cynewulf.  This  artificial  use  of  words  makes  the  interpretation 
obscure,  and  scholars  differ  about  it.  ^  Or,  '  those  who.' 


1292-1321.]  CYNEWULF'S    ELENE.  43 

And  without  torment  easily  suffer, 

Band  of  the  brave.     For  them  shall  be  moderate 

The  brightness  of  flame/  as  it  shall  be  easiest, 

Softest  for  them.     The  sinful  shall  be,  1295 

Those  spotted  Avith  evil,  compressed  in  the  middle. 

Men  sad-in-mind,  within  the  hot  waves 

Smothered  with  smoke.     The  third  part  shall  be, 

Accursed  sinners,  in  the  flood's  abyss. 

False  folk-haters,  fastened  in  flame  1300 

For  deeds  of  old,  gang  of  the  godless 

In  grip  of  the  giedes.     To  God  never  more 

From  that  place  of  torment  come  they  in  mind, 

To  the  King  of  glory,  but  th6y  shall  be  cast 

From  that  terrible  fire  to  the  bottom  of  hell,  1305 

The  workers  of  woe.     To  the  [other]  two  parts 

It  will  be  unlike.     They  may  angels'  Lord, 

Victories'  God,  see.     Th^y  shall  be  cleansed. 

Sundered  from  sins,  as  smelted  gold, 

That  is  in  the  flame  from  every  spot  1310 

Through  fire  of  the  oven  thoroughly  cleansed. 

Freed  and  refined.     So  shall  each  of  those  men 

Be  freed  and  made  pure  from  every  sin. 

From  heavy  crimes  through  fire  of  that  doom. 

Then  afterwards  they  may  peace  enjoy,  1315 

Eternal  bliss.     To  them  angels'  Warden 

Shall  be  mild  and  gentle,  for  that  th^y  every  evil 

Despised,  sins'  work,  and  to  Son  of  their  Maker 

They  called  with  words.      Hence   in   beauty   they 

shine  now 
Like  to  the  angels,  the  heritage  have  1320 

Of  the  King  of  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

1  Gn.,  Z. 


JUDITH. 


IX. 

[The  glorious  Creator's]  ^  gifts  doubted  she  [not] 
Up6n  this  wide  earth ;  then  found  she  there  ready 
Help  from  the  mighty  Prince,  when  she  most  need 

did  have 
Of  grace  from  the  highest   Judge,  that  her  'gainst 

the  greatest  terror 
The  Lord  of  Creation  should  shield.     That  Father 

in  heaven  to  her 
The  Glorious-in-mind  did  grant,  for  thjit  firm  faith 

she  had 
In  the  Almighty  ever.    Then  heard  I  that  Holofernes 
Wine-summons  eagerly  wrought,  and  with  all  won- 
ders a  glorious 
Banquet  had  h6  prepared;  to  ihAt  bade  the  prince 

of  men 
All  his  noblest  thanes.     Thdt  with  mickle  haste  10 

Did  the  warriors-with-shields  perform ;  came  to  the 

mighty  chief 
The  people's  leaders  going.     6n  the  fourth  day  was 

that 
After  that  Judith,  cunning  in  mind, 
The  elf -sheen  virgin,  him  first  had  sought. 

1  Gn.'s  emendation  to  fill  lacuna  of  MS. 


15-36.]  JUDITH.  45 

X. 

They  tlien  at  the  feast  proceeded  to  sit,  15 

The  proud  to  the  wine-drinking,  all  his  conirades- 

in-ill. 
Bold  mailed-warriors.     There  were  lofty  beakers 
Oft  borne  along  the  benches,   als6  were  cups  and 

flagons 
Full  to  the  hall-sitters  borne.     The  fated  partook  of 

them, 
Brave    warriors -with -shields,    though    the    mighty 

weened  not  of  it,  20 

Awful  lord  of  earls.     Then  was  Holofernes, 
Gold-friend  of  men,  full  of  wine-joy  : 
He  laughed  and  clamored,  shouted  and  dinned. 
That  children  of  men  from  afar  might  hear 
How  the  strong-minded  both  stormed  and  j'elled,  25 

Moody  and  mead-drunken,  often  admonished 
The  sitters-on-benches  to  bear  themselves  ^  well. 
Thus  did  the  hateful  one  during  all  day 
His  liege-men  [loyal]  keep  plying  with  wine, 
Stout-hearted  giver  of  treasure,  until  they  lay  in  a 

swoon,  30 

He  drenched  all  his  nobles  [with  drink],  as  if  they 

were  slain  in  death, 
Deprived^  of  each  one  of   goods.      Thus  bade  the 

prince  of  men 
The  sitters-in-hall  to  serve,  until  to  children  of  men 
The   darkening   night   drew  nigh.      He   bade  then, 

filled  with  hate. 
The  blessed  maiden  with  haste  to  fetch  35 

To  his  bed  of  rest,  laden  with  jewels, 

1  'Loudly  carouse,'  Kr.  and  C.         ^  'Gorged  with,'  Kr.  and  C. 


46  JUDITH.  [37-61. 

Adorned  with  rings.     They  quickly  performed, 

The  attendant  thanes,  what  their  lord  them  bade, 

Mailed-warriors'  prince ;  like  a  flash  they  stepped 

Into  the  guest-room,  where  they  Judith  40 

Wise-minded  found,  and  quickly  then 

The  Avarriors-with-shields  began  to  lead 

The  glorious  maid  to  the  lofty  tent 

Where  the  mighty  himself  always  ^  rested 

By  night  within,  to  the  Saviour  hateful,  45 

Holof ernes.     There  wds  an  all-golden 

Beautiful  fly-net  around  the  folk-warrior's 

Bed  suspended,  s6  that  the  hateful 

Was  able  to  look  through,  the  chief  of  warriors, 

Upon  each  one  that  therein  came  50 

Of  the  sons  of  heroes,  and  on  him  no  one 

Of  the  race  of  men,  unless  the  proud  some  one 

Of  the  strong-in-war  bade  to  him  nearer 

Of  warriors  for  counsel  to  come.     They  then  to  him 

at  rest  brought 
Quickly  the  cunning  woman  ;   went  then  the  stout- 

in-heart  55 

The  men  their  lord  to  tell  that  the  holy  woman  was 
Brought  to  his  chamber-tent.     The  famous  then  in 

mind 
Was  glad,  the  ruler  of  cities  ;  he  thought  the  beauti-    . 

ful  maiden 
With  spot  and  stain  to  defile :  that  Judge  of  glory 

would  not 
Allow,  the  Keeper  of  honor,  but  him  from  that  deed 

restrained  60 

The  Lord,  the  Ruler  of  hosts.     Went  then  the  devil- 
ish one, 

1  Or,  '  after  feast.' 


62-86.]  JUDITH.  47 

The  wanton  [warrior-prince]/  with  [niickle]  band  of 
men, 

The  baleful  his  bed  to  seek,  where  he  his  life  should 
lose 

Quickly  within  one  night ;  he  had  then  his  end  at- 
tained ^ 

On  earth  ungentle  [end],  such  as  before  he  wrought 

for,  65 

The  mighty  prince  of  men,  while  in  this  world  he  was, 

While  he  dwelt  under  roof  of  the  clouds.  Then  fell 
so  drunk  with  wine 

The  mighty  [chief]  on  his  bed,  as  if  he  knew  no  rede 

Within  his  place  of  wit ;  the  warriors  stepped 

Out  from  the  chamber  with  mickle  haste,  70 

The  wine-filled  men,  wh6  the  oath-breaker, 

Hateful  folk-hater,  had  led  to  his  bed 

For  the  very  last  time.     Then  was  the  Saviour's 

Glorious  maiden  earnestly  mindful 

How  she  the  terrible  most  easily  might  75 

Of  life  deprive  before  the  lustful, 

The  wanton,  awoke.    The  Avreathed-locked  took  then, 

The  Creator's  handmaid,  a  sharp-edged  sword 

Hardened  by  war-strokes  [?],''  and  drew  from  its 
sheath 

With  her  right  hand ;  then  Keeper  of  heaven  80 

By  name  she  gan  name.  Saviour  of  all 

Dwellers-in-th'  world,  and  this  word  she  spake : 

"  Thee,  God  of  Creation,  and  Spirit  of  Comfort, 

Son  of  the  Almighty,  will  I  [uoav]  pray 

For  thine  own  mercy  to  me  in  my  need,  85 

Trinity's  Glory.     To  me  greatly  now  then 

1  '  King,'  Gn.  and  Kr.,  but  rju'Sfreca  suits  the  verse  bettei-  than  cyning, 
and  even  that  is  not  metrically  sufficient  to  fill  the  lacuna. 

2  Lit.,  '  awaited.'  ^  go  Gn.  ?    '  Scouring,'  Sw.?,  Kr.?,  C. 


48  JUDITH.  [87-107. 

My  heart  is  inflamed,  antl  my  mind  is  sad, 

Sorely  with  sorrows  oppressed;  grant,  Lord  of  Heaven, 

to  me 
Victory  and  faith  witliou.t  fear,  that  I  with  tliis  sword 

may  be  able 
To  hew  down  this  dealer  of  murder ;  grant  [too]  my 

safety  to  me,  90 

Strong-hearted  Leader  of  men;  ne'er  in  this  world 

had  I 
Of  thy  mercy  more  urgent  need :  avenge  now,  mighty 

Lord, 
Glorious  Giver  of  honor,  that  I  am  so  angry  in  mind. 
So  heated  within  my  breast."     H6r  then  the  highest 

Judge 
Quickly  with  courage  inspired,   as   doth  he   [ever] 

each  one  95 

Of  dwellers  here  [upon  earth],  who  him  for  help  to 

them  seek 
With   rede   and   righteous   belief.     Then   roomy  in 

mind  she  became, 
The  holy  one's  hope  was  renewed ;  then  took  she  the 

heathen  man 
Fast  by  his  own  [long]  hair,  with  hands  him  towards 

her  she  drew 
With  marks  of  contempt,  and  the  baleful  one  100 

With  cunning  laid  down,  the  loathsome  man, 
As  she  the  accursed  most  easily  might 
Wield  at  her  will.     Struck  then  the  curly-locked 
The  hostile  foe  with  shining^  sword. 

The  hateful-minded,  that  half-way  she  cut  105 

The  [evil  one's]  neck,  that  he  lay  in  a  swoon, 
Drunken  and  wounded.     Not  yet  was  he  dead, 

i 'Hostile,' Sw.? 


108-137.]  JUDITH.  49 

Thoroughly  lifeless ;  struck  she  then  earnestly, 

The  maiden  brave-minded,  a  second  time 

The  heathen  hound,  that  his  head  rolled  off  110 

Forth  on  the  floor :  the  foul  corpse  lay 

Lifeless  behind,  went  the  spirit  elsewhere 

Beneath  the  deep  earth,  and  there  was  disgraced. 

In  torment  bound  ever  thereafter, 

Surrounded  with  serpents,  with  tortures  encompassed,       115 

Strongly  enchained  in  the  fire  of  hell 

After  his  death.     He  need  never  hope. 

Enveloped  with  darkness,  that  thence  he  may  go 

Out  of  that  worm-hall,  but  there  shall  he  dwell 

Ever  for  ever  without  end  henceforth  120 

In  thdt  dark  home,  of  hope-joys  deprived. 


XI. 

Then  had  she  gained  glorious  honor, 

Judith  in  war,  as  God  to  her  granted, 

The  Ruler  of  Heaven,  who  gave  to  her  victory. 

The  cunning  maid  then  quickly  brought  125 

The  army-leader's  head  so  bloody 

In  that  [very]  vessel  in  which  her  attendant, 

The  fair-faced  woman,  food  for  them  both. 

In  virtues  renowned,  thither  had  brought. 

And  it  then  so  gory  to  her  gave  in  hand,  130 

To  the  thoughtful-in-mind  to  bear  to  their  home, 

Judith  to  her  maid.     Went  they  forth  thence, 

The  women  both  in  courage  bold, 

Until  they  had  come,  proud  in  their  minds. 

The  women  triumphant,  out  from  the  army,  135 

S6  that  they  plainly  were  able  to  see 

Of  that  beautifid  city  the  walls  [fair]  shine. 


60  JUDITH.  [138-168. 

B6thulia.     Then  jewel-decked  thdy 
Upon  the  foot-path  hastened  to  go, 

Until  glad-minded  they  had  arrived  140 

At  the  gate  of  the  wall.     The  warriors  sat, 
The  watching  men  were  keeping  ward 
Within  that  fortress,  as  before  to  the  folk, 
Sad  in  their  minds,  Judith  had  bidden, 
The  cunning  maiden,  when  she  went  on  her  journey,       145 
The  stout-hearted  woman.    Then  again  was  she  come. 
Dear  to  her  people,  and  then  quickly  ordered 
The  wise-minded  woman  some  one  of  the  men 
To  come  to  meet  her  from  out  the  wide  city, 
And  her  in  haste  to  admit  within  150 

Through  the  gate  of  the  wall,  and  this  Avord  she  spake 
To  the  victor-folk  :  "  To  you  can  I  say 
A  thought-worthy '  thing,  that  no  longer  ye  need 
Mourn  in  your  minds  :  your  Creator  is  kind, 
Glory  of  kings  :  that  is  become  known  155 

Wide  through  the  world,  that  to  you  is  success 
Glorious  at  hand,  and  honor  is  granted 
For  [all]  those  sorrows  which  long  ye  suffered." 
Glad  then  were  they,  the  dwellers-in-borough. 
After  they  heard  how  the  holy  one  spake  160 

O'er  the  high  wall.     The  host  was  in  joy. 
To  the  fortress-gate  the  people  hastened. 
Men,  women  together,  m  troops  and  heaps, 
In  crowds  and  throngs,  hurried  and  ran 
To  meet  the  Lord's  maid  by  thousands  and  thou- 
sands, 165 
Both  old  and  young :  to  each  one  became 
Of  men  in  the  mead-city  his  mind  rejoiced. 
After  they  knew  that  Judith  Avas  come 

1  'Thank-worthy,'  Kr. 


169-202.]  JUDITH.  51 

Again  to  her  home,  and  then  in  haste 

With  reverence  they  allowed  her  to  enter.  170 

Then  bade  the  clever,  with  gold  adorned, 

Her  servant-maid,  thoughtful-in-mind, 

The  army -leader's  head  to  uncover, 

And  it  as  a  proof  bloody  to  show 

To  the  city-folk  how  she  speeded  in  war.  175 

Then  spake  the  noble  one  to  all  the  folk : 

"  Here  ye  may  clearly,  victory -blessed  warriors, 

Chiefs  of  the  people,  up6n  the  most  hateful 

Heathen  hero's  head  fix  your  gaze, 

On  Holofernes  deprived  of  life,  180 

Who  chiefest  of  men  wrought  murders  for  us. 

Sorest  sorrows,  and  that  yet  more 

Would  he  increase :  but  God  him  granted  not 

A  longer  life,  that  h.6  with  woes 

Might  still  afflict  us.     Of  life  I  deprived  him  185 

By  help  of  God.     Noav  T  every  man 

Of  these  city-dwellers  will  [earnestly  j  pray, 

Of  shield-bearing  warriors,  that  ye  yourselves  quickly 

Hasten  to  fight ;  when  the  God  of  creation, 

The  glorious  King,  shall  send  from  the  east  190 

Bright  beams  of  light,  bear  forth  your  shields, 

Boards  before  breasts  and  coats-of-mail. 

Bright  helmets  [too]  among  the  foes, 

To  fell  the  folk-leaders  with  shining  swords, 

The  fated  chiefs.     Your  foes  are  now  195 

Condemned  to  death,  and  ye  glory  shall  gain, 

Honor  in  battle,  as  to  you  hath  betokened 

The  mighty  Lord  through  mine  own  hand." 

Then  the  band  of  the  brave  was  quickly  prepared, 

Of  the  bold  for  battle  ;  stepped  out  the  valiant  200 

Men  and  comrades,  bore  their  banners, 

Went  forth  to  fiarht  straisrht  on  their  wav 


62  JUDITH.  [203-235. 

The  heroes  'neath  helmets  from  the  holy  city 

At  the  daAvn  itself ;  shields  made  a  din, 

Loudly  resounded.     Thereat  laughed  the  lank  205 

Wolf  in  the  wood,  and  the  raven  wan. 

Fowl  greedy  for  slaughter :  both  of  tliem  knew 

That  for  them  the  warriors  thought  to  provide 

Their  fill  on  the  fated ;  and  flew  on  their  track 

The  dewy-winged  eagle  eager  for  prey,  210 

The  dusky-coated  sang  his  war-song. 

The  crooked-beaked.     Stepped  forth  the  warriors. 

The  heroes  for  battle  with  boards  protected, 

With  hollow  shields,  who  awhile  before 

The  foreign-folk's  reproach  endured,  215 

The  heathens'  scorn ;  fiercely  was  thdt 

At  the  ash-spear's  play  to  them  all  rejiaid, 

[All]  the  Assyrians,  after  the  Hebrews 

Under  their  banners  had  [boldly]  advanced 

To  the  army -camps.     They  bravely  then  220 

Forthright  let  fly  showers  of  arrows. 

Of  battle-adders,  6ut  from  the  horn-bows, 

Of  strongly-made  shafts ;  stormed  they  aloud. 

The  cruel  warriors,  sent  forth  their  spears 

Among  the  brave ;  the  heroes  were  angry,  225 

The  dwellers-in-land,  with  the  loathed  race ; 

The  stern-minded  stepped,  the  stout-in-heart, 

Rudely  awakened  their  ancient  foes 

Weary  from  mead ;  with  hands  drew  forth 

The  men  from  the  sheaths  the  brightly-marked  swords       230 

Most  choice  in  their  edges,  eagerly  struck 

Of  the  [host  of]  Assyrians  the  battle-warriors. 

The  hostile-minded ;  not  one  they  spared 

Of  the  army -folk,  nor  low  nor  high 

Of  living  men,  whom  th6y  might  subdue.  235 


236-264.]  JUDITH.  53 

XII. 

Thus  then  the  thanes  in  the  morning-hours 

Pressed  on  the  strangers  unceasingly, 

Until  they  perceived,  those  who  were  hostile, 

The  army-folk's  chiefest  leaders, 

That  up6n  them  sword-strokes  mighty  bestowed  240 

The  Hebrew  men.     They  thiit  in  words 

To  their  most  noted  chiefs  of  the  people 

Went  to  announce,  waked  helmeted  warriors 

And  to  them  with  fear  the  dread  news  told, 

To  the  weary -from-mead  the  morning-terror,  245 

The  hateful  sword-play.     Then  learnt  I  that  quickly 

The  slaughter-fated  men  aroused  from  sleep 

And  to  the  baleful's  sleeping-bower 

The  saddened  ^  men  pressed  6n  in  crowds. 

To  Holofernes  :  they  only  were  thinking  250 

To  their  own  lord  to  make  known  the  fight, 

Ere  terror  on  him  should  take  its  seat, 

The  might  of  the  Hebrews.     They  all  imagined 

That  the  prince  of  men  and  the  handsome  maid 

In  the  beautiful  tent  were  [still]  together,  255 

Judith  the  noble  and  the  lustful  one, 

Dreadful  and  fierce ;  though  no  earl  there  was 

Wh6  the  warrior  durst  [then]  awake. 

Or  durst  discover  how  the  helmeted  warrior 

With  the  holy  maid  had  passed  his  time,  260 

The  Creator's  handmaid.     The  force  approached. 

The  folk  of  the  Hebrews,  courageously  fought 

With  hard  battle-arms,  fiercely  repaid 

Their  former  fights  with  shining  ^  swords, 


1  So  Sw.;  '  weary  in  mind,'  Gn.,  Kr.,  C. 

2 'Hostile,'  C,  though  'flashing,'  194,  'and    gleaming,'  302. 


54  JUDITH.  [265-295. 

The  old-time  grudge ;  was  6i  the  Assyrians  265 

By  thdt  day's  work  the  glory  diminished, 

The  pride  brought  low.     The  warriors  stood 

'Round  their  prince's  tent  strongly  excited, 

Gloomy  in  mind.     They  then  all  together 

Began  to  groan/  to  cry  aloud  270 

And  gnash  with  their  teeth,  —  afar  from  God,  — 

Showing  their  anger;  'twas  the  end  of  their  glory, 

Of  joy  and  valor.     The  earls  were  thinking 

To  awaken  their  lord ;  they  did  not  succeed. 

Then  at  last  and  too  late  was  one  so  bold  275 

Of  the  battle-warriors  that  to  the  bower-tent 

He  daringly  ventured,  since  need  him  compelled : 

Found  he  then  on  the  bed  lying  deadly-pale 

His  [own]  gold-giver  of  breath  bereft, 

Of  life  deprived.     Then  quickly  he  fell  280 

Astounded  to  earth,  gan  tear  his  hair, 

Excited  in  mind,  and  his  garments  too, 

And  this  word  he  spake  to  the  warriors  [brave]. 

Who  saddened  there  were  standing  without : 

"  Here  is  displayed  our  own  destruction,  285 

The  future  betokened,  that  it  is  to  the  time 

Now  amongst  men  -  almost  arrived. 

When  we  our  lives  shall  lose  together, 

In  battle  perish :  here  lies  with  sword  hewn 

Our  lord  beheaded."     They  then  sad-in-mind  290 

Threw  down  their  weapons  and  sorrowful  went 

To  hasten  in  flight.     They  fought  on  their  tracks. 

The  mighty  folk,  till  the  greatest  part 

Of  the  army  lay,  in  battle  struck  down, 

On  the  victor-plain,  hewn  down  with  swords,  295 


^  Lit.,  '  cough,' 

2  So  Gn.  and  Kr.;  '  with  violence,'  Sw. ;  '  with  afflictions, '  C. 


296-327.]  JUDITH.  55 

To  wolves  for  pleasure,  and  to  slaughter-greedy 

Fowls  for  a  joy.     Those  who  lived  fled 

The  shields  of  their  foes.^    Went  on  their  tracks 

The  Hebrews'  host,  honored  with  victory. 

With  glory  ennobled  ;  them  took  the  Lord  God  300 

Fairly  to  help,  the  Lord  Almighty. 

They  bravely  then  Avith  shining  swords, 

Stout-hearted  heroes,  a  war-path  wrought 

Through  heaps  of  their  foes,  hewed  down  their  shields. 

Cut  through  their  phalanx ;  the  warriors  were  305 

Enraged  in  battle,  the  Hebrew  men ; 

The  thanes  at  that  time  were  much  delighted 

At  the  combat  with  spears.     Here  fell  in  the  dust 

The  highest  part  of  the  chiefest  number 

6f  the  Assyrians'  princely  nobility,  310 

Of  the  hateful  race ;  very  few  came 

Alive  to  their  homes.     The  nobly-bold  turned. 

Warriors  retiring,  among  the  slaughtered. 

The  smoking  corpses ;  it  was  time  to  take 

For  the  dwellers-in-land  from  the  loathsome  ones,  315 

Their  ancient  foes  deprived  of  life, 

The  gory  booty,  the  shining  trappings. 

Shields  and  broad  swords,  brown-colored  helmets. 

Precious  treasures.     Gloriously  had  they 

On  thdt  folk-place  their  foes  overcome,  320 

The  defenders  of  home  their  ancient  foes 

With  swords  put-to-sleep :  behind  them  rested 

Those  who  in  life  were  most  hateful  to  them 

Of  living  races.     Then  all  the  people. 

Of  tribes  most  renowned,  for  one  month's  space,  325 

The  proud  twisted-locked,  bore  and  carried 

To  that  bright  city,  Bethulia  [named], 

1  So  Sw.  and  Kr.;  'Of  the  hostile  shield-warriors,'  Gn.  and  C. 


56  JUDITH.  [328-350. 

Helmets  and  hip-swords,  hoary  byrnies, 

War-trappiugs  of  ineu  adorned  with  gold, 

More  precious  treasures  than  any  man  330 

Of  the  cunning-in-mind  may  be  able  to  tell, 

All  that  the  warriors  with  might  had  won, 

The  bold  under  bamiers  on  the  battle-place 

By  means  of  Judith's  [most]  clever  lore, 

The  moody  ^  maid's.     As  meed  for  her  335 

From  that  expedition,  they  brought  for  herself. 

The  spear-strong  earls,  of  Holofernes 

The  sword  and  gory  helm,  likewise  the  byrnie  broad, 

Adorned  with  reddish  gold,  all  that  the  warrior-chief, 

The  brave,  of  treasure  had,  or  individual  wealth,  340 

Of  rings  and  jewels  bright ;  thdt  to  the  lady  fair. 

The  wise-in-mind,  gave  th^y.     For  all  that  Judith  said 

Glory  to  the  Lord  of  hosts,  who  honor  to  her  gave. 

Fame  in  realm  of  earth,  and  meed  in  heaven  too, 

Keward  in  the  glory  of  heaven,  because  true  faith 

she  had  345 

In  the  Almighty  ever ;  now  at  last  she  doubted  not 
Of  the  meed  which  long  she  yearned  for.     For  that 

to  the  dear  Lord  be 
Glory  for  ever  and  ever,  who  made  both  wind  and  air. 
The  heavens  and  roomy  lands,  likewise  the  rushing 

streams, 
And  joys  of  firmament  too  by  means  of  his  mercy 

mild.  350 

1  i.e.,  '  spirited.' 


ATHELSTAN, 


THE    FIGHT    AT    BRUNANBURH. 


^THELSTAi^'  King,  of  eai'ls  the  lord, 

Of  lieroes  ring-giver,  and  his  brotlier  too, 

Edmund  ^theling,  enduring  fame 

Earned  in  the  fight  with  edges  of  swords 

By  Brunanburh.     The  board-wall  they  cleaved,  6 

The  war-shields  hewed  with  leavings  of  hammers 

The  sons  of  Edward.     'Twas  natural  to  them 

By  right  of  descent  that  m  battle  they  oft 

'Gainst  every  foe  their  land  defended. 

Their  hoards  and  homes.     The  foes  were  fallen,  10 

Folk  of  the  Scots  and  men  of  the  ships. 

Fated  they  fell.     The  field  ran  thick  ^ 

With  heroes'  blood,  when  the  risen  sun 

At  morning-time,  the  mighty  orb, 

Shone  o'er  the  earth,  bright  candle  of  God,  15 

Eternal  Lord,  till  the  noble  creature 

Sank  to  his  rest.     There  many  men  lay 

Struck  down  ^  with  spears,  men  from  the  North, 

Shot  o'er  the  shield,  and  Scotsmen  too. 

Weary  [and]  war-filled.     The  West-Saxons  forth  20 

The  live-long  day  with  legions  of  warriors 

1  Lit.,   'became  slippery,'  Gn.;    'babbled'   (as  a  brook),   or  'became 
dark.'Kr.;  ' streamed,' Tli.  2 'Scattered,' Th. 


58  ATHELSTAN,    OR  [22-52. 

Pressed  on  the  heels  of  the  hostile  foes ; 

They  felled  the  fleers  with  force  from  behind 

With  sharp-ground  swords.     Shrank  not  the  Mercians 

From  hard  hand-play  with  any  of  heroes,  25 

Of  those  who  with  Anlaf  o'er  welling  of  waves 

On  the  deck  of  the  ship  had  sought  the  land, 

Fated  for  fight.     Five  of  them  lay 

On  the  battle-field,  young  kings  [they  were]. 

Slaughtered^  with  swords,  and  also  seven  30 

Earls  of  Anlaf,  and  unnumbered  host 

( )f  seamen  and  Scots.     There  was  forced  to  flee 

The  Northmen's  chief,  by  need  compelled 

To  the  prow  of  his  ship  witlr  f cav  attendants. 

Keel  crowded  ^  the  sea,  the  king  went  forth  35 

On  the  fallow  flood ;  he  saved  his  life. 

There  too  the  ag^d  escaped  by  flight 

To  his  home  in  the  jSlorth,  Constantinus. 

The  hoar  war-hero  was  unable  to  boast 

Of  attendance  of  men ;  he  was  robbed  of  his  kinsmen,         40 

Bereaved  of  his  friends  on  the  battle-field. 

Conquered  in  fight,  and  he  left  his  son 

On  the  place  of  slaughter  wasted  with  wounds. 

The  boy  in  the  battle.     He  durst  not  boast. 

The  gray-haired  warrior,  of  the  clash  of  swords,  45 

The  ag6d  enemy,  nor  Anlaf  the  more. 

With  their  army-remnant  they  durst  not  rejoice 

That  in  deeds  of  war  they  proved  to  be  better 

On  the  place  of  battle,  the  striking  of  standards, 

The  mingling  of  spears,  the  meeting  of  men,  50 

The  clashing  of  weapons,  when  on  slaughter-field 

In  contest  Avith  EdAvard's  sons  they  contended. 


1  Lit.,  '  put  to  sleep.' 

2  Or,  '  He  pressed  ship  on  the  sea  ' :  '  drove,'  Th. 


53-73.]  THE    FIGHT    AT    BRUNAXBURII.  59 

Departed  the  Northmen  in  nailed  ships, 

Drear  remnant  of  darts,  on  the  sea  of  Dyng  ^  [?], 

O'er  the  water  deep  Dublin  to  seek,  55 

Back  to  land  of  the  Erse,  depressed  in  mind. 

Likewise  the  brothers  both  together. 

King  and  setheling,  were  seeking  their  home, 

West-Saxons'  land,  exulting  in  war. 

Behind  them  they  let  the  corpses  share  60 

The  dark-feathered  fowl,  the  raven  black, 

The  crooked-beaked,  and  the  ashy-feathered, 

White-tailed  eagle  enjoy  the  prey, 

The  greedy  war-hawk,  and  the  gray-clad  beast. 

The  wolf  in  the  wood.     More  corpses  there  w^re  not         65 

Upon  this  island  ever  as  yet 

Of  folk  down-felled  before  this  time 

With  edges  of  sword,  as  books  to  us  tell, 

Sages  of  old,  since  hither  from  East 

Angles  and  Saxons  came  to  this  land,  70 

O'er  the  broad  ocean  'Britain  [once]  sought, 

Haughty  war-smiths  the  Welsh  overcame. 

Earls  eager  for  honor  this  earth  acquired. 

1  Gn.  and  W.  take  Dyn(i  as  a  proper  name,  but  no  one  knows  who 
Dyng  was.  Kr.  leaves  on  cbjufjes  mere  untranslated,  with  the  remark  ^ 
"  ist  unmifgeklart.' '  He  thinks  it  refers  to  some  bay  in  Ireland,  from  which 
the  invaders  set  out,  but  why  may  it  not  be  a  name  for  the  Irish  Sea  itself? 
Th.  translates  '  on  the  roaring  sea,'  but  adds  'quite  conjectural.' 


BYRHTNOTH, 


THE    FIGHT    AT    MALDON. 


******        was  broken. 
Then  bade  he  each  youth  his  horse  to  forsake, 
To  hasten  afar  and  forwards  to  go, 
Be  mindful  of  might,  of  mood  courageous. 
This  Offa's  kinsman  at  once  perceived  5 

That  the  earl  was  unwilling  faint  heart  to  endure. 
Then  he  let  from  his  hands  his  lief  ^  hawk  fly. 
His  hawk  to  the  holt,  and  to  battle  he  stepped ; 
By  thdt  might  one  know  that  the  knight  was  un- 
willing 
To  be  weak  in  the  war  when  to  weapons  he  took.  10 

By  him  too  would  Eadric,  by  his  overlord,  stand, 
His  chief  in  the  fight ;  then  forth  gan  he  bear 
His  spear  to  the  battle  :  brave  spirit  had  he 
The  while  that  with  hands  he  was  able  to  hold 
Shield  and  broad  sword ;  his  boast  he  fulfilled,^  15 

When  h6  'fore  his  lord  was  bound  to  fight. 
There  Byrhtnoth  gan  then  his  warriors  embolden, 
Rode  and  gave  rede,  instructed  his  men 
H6w  they  should  stand,  and  the  stead  sustain, 
And  bade  that  rimmed  shields  they  rightly  should 

hold  20 

1  Dear.  ^  Or,  '  maintained.' 


21-52.]  THE    FIGHT    AT    MALDON.  61 

Fast  with  tlieir  fists,  and  frigMened  be  never. 

When  he  had  the  folk  fairly  emboldened, 

With  his  men  he  alighted  where  was  liefest  to  him, 

Wh^re  his  hearth-followers  most  faithful  he  knew. 

Then  stood  on  the  stathe,^  stoutly  did  call  25 

The  wikings'  herald,  with  words  he  spake, 

Wlio  boastfully  bore  fr6m  the  brine-farers 

An  errand  to  th'  earl,  where  he  stood  on  the  shore : 

"  To  thee  me  did  send  the  seamen  snell,^ 

Bade  to  thee  say,  thou  must  send  to  them  quickly  30 

Bracelets  for  safety ;  and  'tis  better  for  you 

That  ye  this  spear-rush  with  tribute  buy  off 

Than  loe  in  so  fierce  a  fight  engage. 

We  need  not  each  spill,^  if  ye  speed  to  this  : 

We  will  for  the  pay  a  peace  confirm.  35 

If  thou  that  redest  who  art  highest  in  rank, 

If  thou  thy  lieges  art  willing  to  loose. 

To  pay  to  the  seamen  at  their  own  pleasure 

Money  for  peace,  and  take  peace  from  us, 

We  will  with  the  treasure  betake  us  to  ship,  40 

Fare  on  the  flood,  and  peace  with  you  confirm." 

Byrhtnoth  replied,  his  buckler  uplifted. 

Waved  his  slim  spear,  with  words  he  spake, 

Angry  and  firm  gave  answer  to  him : 

"  Hear'st  thou,  seafarer,  Avhat  saith  this  folk  ?  45 

They  will  for  tribute  spear-shafts  you  pay. 

Poisonous  points  and  trusty  *  swords, 

Those  weapons  that  you  in  battle  avail  not. 

Herald  of  seamen,  hark  ^  back  again, 

Say  to  thy  people  much  sadder  words,  50 

Here  stands  not  unknown  an  earl  with  his  band, 

Wli6  will  defend  this  father-land, 

1  Bank.        -  Bold.        3  Destroy.        *  Lit.,  '  old.'        5  Lit.,  '  announce.' 


62  BYRHTNOTH,    OR  [53-82. 

jEthelred's  home,  mine  own  liege  lord's, 

His  folk  and  field :  ye  're  fated  to  fall, 

Ye  heathen,  in  battle.    Too  base  it  me  seems  55 

That  ye  Avith  our  scats  ^  to  ship  may  go 

Unfought  against,  so  far  ye  now  hither 

Int6  our  country  have  come  within ; 

Ye  shall  not  so  gently  treasure  obtain ; 

Shall  spear  and  sword  sooner  beseem  us,  60 

Grim  battle-play,  ere  tribute  we  give." 

Then  bade  he  shield  bear,  warriors  advance, 

So  that  on  the  burn-stathe  ^  they  all  were  standing. 

Might  not  th^re  for  the  water  one  war-band  to  th'  other. 

When  flowing  flood  came  after  the  ebb,  65 

Sea-streams  interlocked ;  too  long  seemed  it  them 

Till  they  together  their  spears  should  bear. 

Then  Panta's  stream  with  pomp  ^  [?]  they  beset, 

East-Saxons'  chief  and  the  host  from  the  ships : 

No  one  of  them  might  do  harm  to  the  other,  70 

But  he  who  by  dart's  flight  his  death  should  receive. 

The  flood  ebbed  forth  ;  the  fleetmen  stood  ready. 

Many  of  wikings,  eager  for  war. 

Bade  heroes'  buckler  *  then  hold  the  bridge 

A  war-hardened  warrior,  who  Wulfstan  was  named,  75 

Bold  'mid  his  kin  (he  was  Ceola's  son). 

Who  the  first  man  with  his  dart  shot  down 

That  there  most  boldly  stepped  on  the  bridge. 

There  stood  with  Wulfstan  warriors  fearless, 

^Ifhere  and  Maccus,  courageous  the  tAvain ;  80 

At  the  ford  they  would  n6t  seek  safety  in  flight, 

But  firm  'gainst  the  foes  themselves  they  defended, 


1  Money.  -  Bank  of  the  stream. 

3  i.e.,  'battle-array,'  Sw.,  but  the  word  is  uncertain;  Kr.  suggests  'fas- 
cines'; Zl.  merely  gives  '  PnaiA;.'  ^  i.e.,  Byrhtnoth. 


83-113.]  THE    FIGHT    AT    MALDON.  63 

The  while  that  thej  weapons  were  able  to  wield. 

When  they  that  perceived  and  earnestly  saw 

That  there  bridge-fenders  [so]  fierce  thej'  found,  85 

Began  to  lie  these  loathly  guests : 

Begged  that  out-going  they  might  obtain, 

Fare  o'er  the  ford,  their  footmen  lead. 

Then  gan  the  earl  on  account  of  his  pride 

Leave  too  much  land  to  the  loathly  people.  90 

Began  then  to  call  o'er  the  water  cold 

The  son  ^  of  Byrhthelm  (the  warriors  listened)  : 

"  i*^ow  room  is  allowed  you,  come  quickly  to  us, 

Warriors  to  war  ;  wot  God  alone 

Who  this  battle-field  may  be  able  to  keep."  95 

Waded  the  war-Avolves,  for  water  they  recked  not, 

The  wikings'  band,  west  over  Panta, 

O'er  the  clear  water  carried  their  shields, 

Boatmen  to  bank  their  bucklers  bore. 

There  facing  their  foes  ready  were  standing  100 

Bj-rhtnoth  with  warriors  :  with  shields  he  bade 

The  war-hedge  ^  work,  and  the  war-band  hold 

Fast  'gainst  the  foes.     Then  fight  was  nigh, 

Glory  in  battle  ;  the  time  was  come 

That  fated  men  should  there  [now]  fall.  105 

Then  out-cry  was  raised,  the  ravens  circled, 

Eagle  eager  for  prey ;  on  earth  was  uproar. 

Then  they  let  from  their  fists  the  file-hardened  spears, 

The  darts  well-ground,  [fiercely]  ^  fly  forth : 

The  bows  were  busy,  board  point  received,  110 

Bitter  the  battle-rush,  warriors  fell  down, 

On  either  hands  the  youths  lay  dead. 

Wounded  was  Wulfmaer,  death-rest  he  chose, 

1  i.e.,  Byrhtnoth.  ~  i.e.,  the  phalanx  with  interlocked  shields. 

3  Some  such  word  as  grame,  or  grimme,  seems  needed  for  the  alliteration. 


64  BYRHTNOTH,    OR  [114-144. 

Byrhtnotli's  kinsman,  with  l)ills  ^  was  he, 

His  sister's  son,  mightily  hewu.  .  115 

There  was  to  the  wikings  recompense  given ; 

Heard  I  that  Edward  one  of  them  slew 

Strongly  with  sword,  stroke  he  withheld  not, 

That  fell  at  his  feet  the  fated  warrior ; 

For  that  did  his  prince  give  thanks  to  him,  120 

To  his  bower-thane,^  when  he  had  opportunity. 

So  firmly  stood  the  fierce-in-mind. 

The  youths  in  fight,  eagerly  thought 

Who  there  with  his  spear  might  soonest  be  able 

From  a  fated  man  the  life  to  Avin,  125 

A  warrior  with  weapons :  the  dead  to  earth  fell. 

Steadfast  they  stood ;  strengthened  them  Byrhtnoth, 

Bade  that  each  youth  of  battle  should  think 

He  wh6  on  the  Danes  glory  would  gain. 

Went  then  a  war-brave,  his  weapon  uplifted,  130 

His  shield  for  defence,  and  strode  towards  the  chief ; 

So  earnest  he  went,  the  earl  to  the  churl :  • 

Each  for  the  other  of  evil  was  thiiiking. 

Sent  then  the  seaman  his  spear  from  the  south 

That  wounded  wds  the  warrior's  lord ;  135 

Then  he  shoved  with  his  shield  that  the  shaft  in  two 

broke, 
And  the  spear  was  shivered ;  so  sprang  it  back. 
Enraged  was  the  warrior :  with  his  spear  he  thrust 
The  wiking  proud,  who  the  wound  him  gave. 
Wise  was  the  warrior ;  he  let  his  spear  pierce  140 

Through  the  neck  of  the  youth ;  his  hand  it  guided 
So  that  h6  his  foe  of  life  deprived. 
Then  he  another  speedily  shot. 
That  the  byrnie  burst ;  in  breast  was  he  wounded 

1  i.e.,  battle-axes.  ^  Chamberlain. 


145-176.]  THE    FIGHT    AT    MALDON.  65 

Througli  the  ringed  mail ;  there  stood  in  his  heart  145 

The  poisonous  point.     The  earl  was  the  gladder ; 

Laughed  the  proud  man,  to  his  Maker  gave  thanks 

For  the  Avork  of  that  day  that  the  Lord  him  gave. 

Then  let  one  of  warriors  a  dart  from  his  hands, 

Fly  from  his  fist,  that  forth  it  went  150 

Thr6ugh  that  noble  thane  of  Jithelred. 

There  stood  by  his  side  a  youth  not  grown, 

A  boy  in  the  fight,  who  very  boldly 

Drew  from  the  warrior  the  bloody  spear. 

The  son  of  Wulf stan,  Wulf mser  the  yoimg ;  155 

He  let  the  hard  weapon  fly  back  again ; 

The  point  in-pierced,  that  on  earth  he  lay 

Who  erst  his  lord  strongly  had  struck. 

Went  then  an  armored  man  to  the  earl, 

He  would  the  warrior's  jewels  fetch  back,  160 

Armor  and  rings  and  sword  well-adorned. 

Then  Byrhtnoth  drew  his  sword  from  its  sheath, 

Broad  and  brown-edged,  and  on  byrnie  he  struck : 

Too  quickly  him  hindered  one  of  the  seamen. 

When  he  of  the  earl  the  arm  had  wounded ;  165 

Fell  then  to  earth  the  fallow-hilt  sword : 

He  might  not  hold  the  hardened  brand, 

His  weapon  wield.     Yet  the  word  he  spake, 

The  hoary  hero  the  youths  encouraged, 

Bade  forwards  go  his  good  companions :  170 

He  might  not  on  foot  longer  stand  firm ; 

He  looked  up  to  heaven,  [the  earl  exclaimed :  ^] 

"  I  thanks  to  thee  give,  Euler  of  nations. 

For  all  those  joys  that  on  earth  I  experienced: 

Now,  Maker  mild,  most  need  have  I  175 

That  thou  to  my  spirit  the  blessing  grant, 

1  Inserted  bv  Kr.  to  fill  the  lacvna,  whom  W,  follows;  S\v.  and  Zl.  omit. 


66  BYRHTNOTH,    OR  [177-208. 

That  my  soul  to  thee  may  take  its  course, 

Int6  thy  power,  Prince  of  angels, 

With  peace  may  go  :  I  pray  to  thee, 

That  fiends  of  hell  may  not  it  harm."  180 

Then  hewed  him  down  the  heathen  hinds, 

And  both  the  warriors,  who  by  him  stood, 

iElfnoth  and  Wulfmger  both  lay  down  dead, 

Beside  their  lord  gave  up  their  lives. 

Then  bowed  they  from  battle  who  there  would  not  be ;     185 

There  Odda's  sons  were  erst  in  flight : 

From  battle  went  Godric,  and  the  good  one  forsook, 

Who  hdd  on  him  many  a  steed  oft  bestowed : 

He  leaped  on  the  horse  that  his  lord  had  owned, 

Upon  those  trappings  that  right  it  was  not,  190 

And  his  brothers  with  him  both  ran  away, 

Godrinc  and  Godwig,  recked  not  of  war, 

But  went  from  the  fight,  and  sought  the  wood, 

Fled  to  the  fastness,  and  saved  their  lives, 

And  more  of  the  men  than  wds  at  all  meet,  195 

If  they  those  services  all  had  remembered. 

That  he  for  their  welfare  to  them  had  done ; 

So  Offa  to  him  one  day  had  erst  said 

At  the  meeting-place,  when  he  held  a  moot. 

That  there  [very]  proudly  they  many  tilings  spake  200 

Which  after  in  need  they  would  not  perform.^ 

Then  Avas  down-fallen  the  prince  of  the  folk, 

^thelred's  earl :  all  of  them  saw. 

The  hearth-companions,  that  their  lord  lay  dead. 

Then  hurried  there  forth  the  haughty  thanes,  205 

The  valiant  men  eagerly  hastened : 

They  would  then  all  the  one  of  the  two, 

Their  lives  forsake  or  their  loved  one  avenge. 

1  Lit., '  suffer,'  '  endure.' 


209-240.]  THE   FIGHT   AT   MALDON.  67 

So  urged  them  6n  the  son  of  Mlivic, 

A  winter-young  warrior,  with  words  them  addressed.       210 

Then  J^lfwine  quoth  (boklly  he  spake): 

"  Remember  the  times  that  we  oft  at  mead  spake, 

When  we  on  the  bench  our  boast  upraised, 

Heroes  in  hall,  the  hard  fight  anent : 

iSTow  may  be  tested  who  is  the  true.^  215 

I  will  my  lineage  to  all  make  known. 

That  I  'mong  the  Mercians  of  mickle  race  was. 

My  grandfather  wAs  Ealhhelni  by  name, 

An  alderman  wise,  with  wealth  endowed. 

Xe'er  shall  'mong  this  folk  me  thanes  reproach  220 

That  I  from  this  host  will  hasten  to  wend, 

My  home  to  seek,  now  lies  my  lord 

Down-hewn  in  fight ;  to  me  'tis  great  harm : 

By  blood  he  was  kin  and  by  rank  he  w\as  lord."  ^ 

Then  went  he  forth,  was  mindful  of  feud,  225 

That  h6  with  his  spear  one  of  them  pierced, 

A  sailor  o'  the  folk,  that  he  lay  on  the  ground 

Killed  with  his  weapon.     Gan  he  comrades  exhort. 

Friends  and  companions,  that  forth  they  should  go. 

Offa  addressed  them,  his  ash-spear  shook  :  230 

"  Lo  !  ^Ifwine,  th6u  hast  all  admonished, 

Thanes,  of  the  need.     Now  lietli  our  lord. 

Earl  on  the  earth,  to  us  all  there  is  need 

That  each  one  of  us  should  strengthen  the  other 

Warrior  to  war,  while  weapon  he  may  235 

[Still]  have  and  hold,  the  hardened  brand, 

Spear  and  good  sword.     Us  hath  Godric, 

Cowed  son  of  Offa,  all  [basely]  deceived : 

So  many  men  thought  when  on  mare  he  rode, 

On  thdt  proud  steed,  that  it  wds  our  lord :  240 

1  Lit.,  '  bold.'  2  Lit.^  '  He  was  both  my  kinsman  and  my  lord.' 


68  BYRHTNOTH,    OR  [241-272. 

Therefore  in  field  here  the  folk  was  divided, 

The  phalanx  broken :  may  perish  his  deed, 

That  he  here  so  many  men  caused  to  flee  ! " 

Leofsunu  spake,  and  uplifted  his  shield, 

His  bnckler  for  guard ;  to  the  warrior  he  quoth :  245 

"  I  promise  thee  this,  that  hence  I  will  n6t 

A  foot's  breadth  flee,  but  further  will  go, 

Avenge  in  battle  mine  own  dear  lord. 

Me  need  not  'round  Stourmere  the  steadfast  heroes 

With  Avords  reproach,  now  my  friend  has  fallen,  250 

That,  lacking  my  lord,  home  I  depart, 

Wend  from  the  war,  but  weapons  shall  take  me, 

Spear  and  iron."  ^     Eull  angry  he  strode, 

Firmly  he  fought,  flight  he  despised. 

Then  Dunnere  spake,  his  spear  he  shook,  255 

The  ag6d  churl,  called  over  all, 

Bade  that  each  warrior  should  Byrhtnoth  avenge : 

"  He  may  not  delay  who  thinks  to  avenge 

His  lord  on  the  folk,  nor  care  for  his  life." 

Then  forwards  they  went,  they  recked  not  of  life ;  260 

Gan  then  his  followers  valiantly  fight, 

Spear-bearers  grim,  and  to  God  they  prayed, 

That  th^y  might  avenge  their  own  dear  lord. 

And  upon  their  foes  slaughter  fulfil. 

Then  gan  the  hostage  eagerly  help  :  265 

He  was  'mong  ISTorthumbrians  of  valiant  race, 

The  son  of  Ecglaf,  his  name  was  J^^scferth : 

Ne'er  wavered  h6  in  that  play  of  war, 

But  he  hastened  forth  many  a  dart ; 

At  times  shot  on  shield,  at  times  killed  a  chief,  270 

Ever  and  anon  inflicted  some  wound. 

The  while  that  he  weapon  was  able  to  wield. 

1  i.e.,  '  sword.' 


273-303.]  THE    FIGHT    AT    MALDON.  69 

Then  still  in  front  stood  Edward  the  long, 
Ready  and  eager ;  boastingiy  said 

That  h^  would  not  liee  a  foot-breadth  of  land,  275 

Backwards  withdraw,  when  his  better  lay  dead : 
Broke  he  the  shield-wall  and  fought  'gainst  the  war- 
riors, 
Till  h6  his  ring-giver  up6n  the  seamen 
Worthily  avenged,  ere  he  lay  on  the  field. 
So  [too]  did  ^theric,  noble  companion,  280 

Eeady  and  eager,  earnestly  fought  he ; 
Sigebryht's  brother  and  many  another 
Cleft  the  curved  ^  board,  them  bravely  defended  ; 
Shield's  border  burst,  and  the  byrnie  sang 
A  terrible  song.     In  battle  then  slew  285 

Offa  the  seaman  that  on  earth  he  fell, 
And  the  kinsman  of  Gadd  there  sought  the  ground ; 
Quickly  in  battle  was  Offa  hewn  down  : 
He  had  though  fulfilled  what  he  promised  his  lord, 
As  h6  before  voAved  in  face  of  his  ring-giver,  290 

That  both  of  them  sh6uld  ride  to  the  borough, 
Hale  to  their  homes,  or  in  battle  should  fall, 
Up6n  the  slaughter-place  die  of  their  wounds ; 
He  lay  like  a  thane  his  lord  beside. 

Then  was  breaking  of  boards ;  the  seamen  stormed,          295 
Enraged  by  the  fight ;  the  spear  oft  pierced 
The  fated  one's  life-house.    Forth  then  went  Wigstan, 
Son  of  Thurstan,  fought  'gainst  the  foes : 
He  wds  in  the  throng  the  slayer  of  three, 
Ere  Wigelin's  bairn  lay  dead  on  the  field.  300 

There  fierce  was  the  fight :  firmly  they  stood, 
Warriors  in  war,  the  fighters  fell, 
Weary  with  wounds ;  fell  corpses  to  earth. 

1  i.e.,  '  hollow  shields.'     Cellod  is  found  only  here  and  in  Finnsburg,  29. 


70  BYRHTNOTH.  [304-325. 

Oswald  and  Ealdwald  during  all  the  while, 

Both  of  the  brothers,  emboldened  the  warriors,  305 

Their  kinsman-friends  bade  they  in  words, 

That  they  in  need  should  there  endure. 

Unwaveringly  their  weapons  use. 

Byrhtwold  [then]  spake,  uplifted  his  shield,  — 

Old  comrade  was  he,  —  his  spear  he  shook,  310 

H6  very  boldly  exhorted  the  warriors : 

"  The  braver  shall  thought  be,  the  bolder  the  heart, 

The  more  the  mood,^  as  lessens  our  might. 

Here  lieth  our  lord,  all  hewn  to  pieces, 

The  good  on  the  ground  :  ever  may  grieve  315 

Who  now  from  this  war-play  thinketh  to  wend. 

I  am  old  in  years :  hence  will  I  not, 

But  here  beside  mine  own  dear  lord. 

So  loved  a  man,  I  purpose  to  lie." 

So  ^thelgar's  bairn  them  all  emboldened,  320 

Godric,  to  battle :  oft  let  he  his  spear, 

His  war-spear  wind  amongst  the  wikings ; 

So  'midst  the  folk  foremost  he  went. 

Hewed  he  and  felled,  till  in  liattle  he  lay ; 

This  was  n6t  that  Godric  who  fled  from  the  fight.  325 


1  i 


I.e..    courage. 


THE    DREAM    OF    THE    ROOD. 


Lo  !   choicest  of  dreams  I  will  relate, 

What  dream  I  dreamt  in  middle  of  night 

When  mortal  men  reposed  in  rest. 

Methought  I  saw  a  wondrous  wood 

Tower  aloft  with  light  bewound,  5 

Brightest  of  trees  ;   that  beacon  was  all 

Begirt  with  gold  ;   jewels  were  standing 

Four  ^  at  surface  of  earth,  likewise  were  there  five 

Above  on  the  shoulder-brace.     All  angels  of  God 

beheld  it. 
Fair  through  future  ages  ;   'twas  no  criminal's  cross 

indeed,  10 

But  holy  spirits  beheld  it  there, 
Men  upon  earth,  all  this  glorious  creation. 
Strange  was  that  victor-tree,  and  stained  with  sins 

was  I, 
With  foulness  defiled.     I  saw  the  glorious  tree 
With  vesture  ^  adorned  winsomely  shine,  15 

Begirt  with  gold ;  bright  gems  had  there 
Worthily  decked  the  tree  of  the  Lord.^ 
Yet  through  that  gold  I  might  perceive 
Old  strife  of  the  wretched,  that  first  it  gave 
Blood  on  the  stronger  [right]  side.     With  sorrows 

was  I  oppressed,  20 

1  Feoicere,  B.'s  emendation  for  'MS./xgere,  '  fair.' 

2  Silken  cords,  or  tassels,  W. ;  sailyards,  ropes,  in  Hall  and  Sweet. 

3  Wealdendes,  S.'s  emendation  for  ^IS.  wealdes,  '  wood  ' ;    so  Kl. 


72  THE  DREAM  OF  THE  ROOD.        [21^3. 

Afraid  for  that  fair  sight ;   I  saw  the  ready  beacon 
Change  in  vesture   and  hue ;    at  times  with   moisture 

covered, 
Soiled  with  course  of  blood ;    at  times  with  treasure 

adorned. 
Yet  lying  there  a  longer  while, 

Beheld  I  sad  tlie  Saviour's  tree  25 

Until  I  heard  that  words  it  uttered ; 
The  best  of  woods  gan  speak  tliese  words  : 
"  'Twas  long  ago  (I  remember  it  still) 
That  I  was  hewn  at  end  of  a  grove. 
Stripped  from  off  my  stem ;    strong  foes  laid  hold  of 

me  there,  30 

Wrought  for  themselves  a  show,  bade  felons  raise  me 

up; 
Men  bore  me  on  their  shoulders,  till  on  a  mount  they 

set  me ; 
Fiends  many  fixed  me  there.      Then  saw  I  mankind's 

Lord 
Hasten  with  mickle  might,  for  He  would  sty  ^  upon  me. 
There  durst  I  not  'gainst  word  of  the  Lord  35 

Bow  doTvai  or  break,  when  saw  I  tremble 
The  sm'face  of  earth ;   I  might  then  all 
My  foes  have  felled,  yet  fast  I  stood. 
The  Hero  young  begirt  ^  Himself ,  Almighty  God  was  He, 
Strong  and  stern  of  mind ;    He  stied  on   the  gallows 

high,  40 

Bold  in  sight  of  many,  for  man  He  would  redeem. 
I  shook  when  the  Hero  clasped  me,  yet  durst  not  bow 

to  earth, 
Fall  to  surface  of  earth,  but  firm  I  must  there  stand. 

1  Sty,  '  mount,'  common  in  Middle  English. 

2  Here  and  below  W.  gives  the  corresponding  verses  from  the  Ruthwell 
Cross.  They  will  also  be  found  in  Stopford  Brooke's  "  Early  English  Lit- 
erature,"  p.  337,  q.v. 


44-65.]        THE  DREAM  OF  THE  ROOD.  73 

A  rood  was  I  upreared  ;   I  raised  the  mighty  King, 

The  Lord  of  Heaven  ;   I  durst  not  bend  me.  45 

They  drove  their  dark  nails  through  me ;   the  wounds 

are  seen  upon  me, 
The  open  gashes  of  guile ;   I  durst  harm  none  ^  of  them. 
They  mocked   us    both   together ;    all  moistened  with 

blood  was  I, 
Shed  from  side  of  the  man,  when  forth  He  sent  His  spirit. 
Many  have  I  on  that  moimt  endured  50 

Of  cruel  fates ;   I  saw  the  Lord  of  Hosts 
Strongly  outstretched  ;   darkness  had  then 
Covered  with  clouds  the  corse  of  the  Lord, 
The  brilliant  brightness  ;   the  shadow  continued, ^ 
Wan  'neath  the  welkin.     There  wept  all  creation,  55 

Bewailed  the  King's  death ;   Christ  was  on  the  cross. 
Yet  hastening  thither  they  came  from  "afar 
To  the  Son  of  the  King  ^  ■   that  all  I  beheld. 
Sorely  with    sorrows   was   I    oppressed ;    yet  I   bowed 

'neath  the  hands  of  men. 
Lowly  with  mickle  might.     Took  they  there  Almighty 

God,  60 

Hun  raised  from  the  heavy  torture ;   the  battle-warriors 

left  me 
To  stand   bedrenched   with  blood ;    all  wounded  with 

darts  was  I. 
There  laid  they  the  weary  of  limb,  at  head  of  His  corse 

they  stood. 
Beheld  the  Lord  of  Heaven,  and  He  rested  Him  there 

awhile. 
Worn  from  the  mickle  war.     Began  they  an  earth-house 

to  work,  05 


1  Gr.  changes  MS.  nxnigum  to  xnigum  aud  others  follow;  W.  as  MS. 

2  For^-eode,  not  for-'Seode, '  overcame,'  as  Sw.  W.'s  note  is  an  oversight. 

3  MS.  toJ>am  le'Selinge.    Sw.  follows  Ruthwell  Cross,  as^ele  to  anum. 


74  THE  DREAM  OF  THE  ROOD.        [66-83. 

Men  in  the  murderers'  ^  sight,  carved  it  of  brightest 

stone, 
Placed  therein  victories'  Lord.     Began  sad  songs  to 

sing 
The  wretched  at  eventide ;   then  would  they  back 

return 
Mourning  from  the  mighty  prince  ;  all  lonely  ^  rested 

He  there. 
Yet  weeping  ^  we  then  a  longer  while  70 

Stood  at  our  station :   the  [voice  *]  arose 
Of  battle-warriors  ;   the  corse  grew  cold, 
Fair  house  of  life.     Then  one  gan  fell 
Us  ^  all  to  earth  ;   'twas  a  fearful  fate  ! 
One  buried  us  in  deep  pit,  yet  of  me  the  thanes  of 

the  Lord,  75 

His  friends,  heard  tell ;  [from  earth  they  raised  me],® 
And  me  begirt  with  gold  and  silver. 
Now  thou  mayst  hear,  my  dearest  man, 
That  bale  of  woes '  have  I  endured. 

Of  sorrows  sore.     Now  the  time  is  come,  80 

That  me  shall  honor  both  far  and  wide 
Men  upon  earth,  and  all  this  mighty  creation 
Will  pray  to  this  beacon.     On  me  God's  Son 


1  Banan  must  be  taken  as  gen.  pi. ;  B.  reads  banana ;  Sw.  thinks  it  "  a 
mistake  for  some  otlier  [word],  jDOssibly  beorg,"  and  takes  baiian  as  geu. 
sing,  referring  to  tlie  cross,  tliough  he  adds,  "this  is  very  improbable." 
Truly  so,  as  the  cross  is  speaking. 

2  Maete  werode,  lit.,  'with  a  small  band,'  but  it  means  'by  himself.' 

3  Greotende  is  Gr.'s  emendation  for  MS.  reotende ;  B.  hreotende ;  K.  geo- 
tende ;  Sw.  as  Gr. 

4  Stefn  is  Kl.'s  emendation  to  fill  lacuna.  W.  prefers  it,  but  does  not 
think  it  convincing. 

5  Us  here  must  refer  to  the  three  crosses,  that  of  Christ  and  those  of  the 
two  thieves. 

6  This  half-line  is  Gr.'s  emendation  to  fill  lacuna  in  MS.  Sw.  and  W. 
leave  it  blank. 

'  Or,  '  of  the  wicked,'  '  of  criminals.' 


84-114.]        THE  DREAM  OF  THE  ROOD.  75 

Suffered  awhile  ;   so  glorious  uow 

I  tower  to  Heaven,  and  I  may  heal  85 

Each  one  of  those  who  reverence  me  ; 

Of  old  I  became  the  hardest  of  pains, 

Most  loathsome  to  ledes  ^  [nations],  the  way  of  life, 

Right  wa}",  I  prepared  for  mortal  men.- 

Lo  !   the  Lord  of  Glory  honored  me  then  90 

Above  the  grove, ^  the  guardian  of  Heaven, 

As  He  His  mother,  even  Mary  herself, 

Almighty  God  before  all  men 

Worthily  honored  above  all  women. 

Now  thee  I  bid,  my  dearest  man,  95 

That  thou  this  sight  shalt  say  to  men, 

Eeveal  in  words,  'tis  the  tree  of  glory, 

On  which  once  suffered  Almighty  God 

For  the  many  sins  of  all  mankind, 

And  also  for  Adam's  misdeeds  of  old.  100 

Death  tasted  He  there ;  yet  the  Lord  arose 

With  His  mickle  might  for  help  to  men. 

Then  stied  He  to  Heaven ;  again  shall  come 

Upon  this  mid-earth  to  seek  mankind 

At  the  day  of  doom  the  Lord  Himself,  105 

Almighty  God,  and  His  angels  with  Him ; 

Then  He  will  judge,  who  hath  right  of  doom, 

Each  one  of  men  as  here  before 

In  this  vain  life  he  hath  deserved. 

No  one  may  there  be  free  from  fear  110 

In  view  of  the  word  that  the  Judge  will  speak. 

He  will  ask  'fore  the  crowd,  where  is  the  man 

Who  for  name  of  the  Lord  would  bitter  death 

Be  willing  to  taste,  as  He  did  on  the  tree. 

1 1  have  used  this  Middle  English  word  for  sake  of  the  alliteration. 

2  Sw.'s  text  ends  here.     It  was  translated  a  few  years  ago  in  Poet-Lore 
as  if  it  were  the  whole  poem. 

3  MS.  holmwudu ;  K.  holtwudu,  and  so  Gr.  with  (?). 


76  THE  DREAM  OF  THE  ROOD.       [115-146. 

But  then  they  will  fear,  and  few  will  bethink  them        115 

What  they  to  Christ  may  venture  to  say. 

Then  need  there  no  one  be  filled  with  fear  ^ 

Who  bears  in  his  breast  the  best  of  beacons ; 

But  through  the  rood  a  kingdom  shall  seek 

From  earthly  way  each  single  soul  120 

That  with  the  Lord  thinketh  to  dwell." 

Then  I  prayed  to  the  tree  with  joyous  heart, 

With  mickle  might,  when  I  was  alone 

With  small  attendance  ^ ;   the  thought  of  my  mind 

For  the  journey  was  ready  ;   I've  lived  through  many     125 

Hours  of  longing.     Now  'tis  hope  of  my  life 

That  the  victory -tree  I  am  able  to  seek, 

Oftener  than  all  men  I  alone  may 

Honor  it  well ;   my  will  to  that 

Is  mickle  in  mind,  and  my  plea  for  protection  130 

To  the  rood  is  directed.     I've  not  many  mighty 

Of  friends  on  earth  ;  but  hence  went  they  forth 

From  joys  of  the  world,  sought  glory's  King ; 

Now  live  they  in  Heaven  with  the  Father  on  high. 

In  glory  dwell,  and  I  hope  for  myself  135 

On  every  day  when  the  rood  of  the  Lord, 

Which  here  on  earth  before  I  viewed, 

In  this  vain  life  may  fetch  me  away 

And  bring  me  then,  where  bliss  is  mickle, 

Joy  in  the  Heavens,  where  the  folk  of  the  Lord  140 

Is  set  at  the  feast,  where  bliss  is  eternal ; 

And  may  He  then  set  me  where  I  may  hereafter 

In  glory  dwell,  and  well  with  the  saints 

Of  joy  partake.     May  the  Lord  be  my  friend, 

Who  here  on  earth  suffered  before  145 

On  the  Rallows-tree  for  the  sins  of  man ! 


1  MS.  unforht,  but  Gr.'s  anforht  suits  the  sense  better. 

2  i.e.,  '  by  myself.'     See  on  69. 


147-156.]       THE  DREAM  OF  THE  ROOD.  77 

He  us  redeemed,  and  gave  to  us  life, 

A  heavenly  home.     Hope  was  renewed, 

With  blessing  and  bliss,  for  the  sufferers  of  burning. 

The  Son  was  victorious  on  that  fateful  joiu'ney,  150 

Mighty  and  happy,^  when  He  came  with  a  many,^ 

With  a  band  of  spirits  to  the  kingdom  of  God, 

The  Euler  Almighty,  for  joy  to  the  angels 

And  to  all  the  saints,  who  in  Heaven  before 

In  glory  dwelt,  when  their  Kuler  came,  155 

Almighty  God,  where  was  His  home. 

1  Lit.,  '  speedy,'  '  successful.' 

2  A  company,  a  crowd ;  common  in  Middle  English. 


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